Tasmania hasn't wasted any time in locking away a crucial part of the club's build, signing Geelong assistant Nigel Lappin as the Devils' inaugural head of development.
After the appointment of Ken Hinkley as the club's senior coach, the Devils are looking to fill vital roles ahead of their AFL entry.
Lappin was at the top of the agenda, and he will head the development of the new expansion club. He will see out the 2026 campaign at the Cats and commence his new role in November.
"It's rare to build a club from the ground up,” Lappin said.
“To lead the development function from the start is unique opportunity to shape something very special.
"Tasmania has an incredible football history and passion for the game.
“To now have the opportunity to help shape its AFL future is something I feel incredibly privileged to be part of.
"Development isn't just about making better footballers, it's about building better people, creating strong habits and establishing a culture that lasts.
“That's what excites me most about this role."
After a stellar playing career that spanned over 15 years, 279 games, three flags, four All-Australians, a Brisbane best and fairest, and captaincy of the club, Lappin immediately joined the coaching caper.
He joined Geelong ahead of the 2009 season and has been there ever since, holding roles as a midfield coach before moving to a development coaching role. Lappin has been leading the Cats' development since 2024.
Carlton attempted to pry the well-regarded development coach out of Kardinia Park last year to join premiership teammate Michael Voss at Ikon Park.
Lappin has a strong relationship with premiership teammate Alastair Lynch, who was a part of the selection committee that appointed Hinkley to a five-year deal, expiring at the end of 2031, as the senior coach.
Lappin also worked alongside Hinkley at Geelong in 2009, and was deemed a pivotal component of the Cats' impressive development of non-football players such as Oliver Dempsey, Oisin Mullin and Mark Blicavs.
“He's got a wealth of experience from both his playing and coaching career, but what stands out most is the way he connects with people and helps players get the very best out of themselves," Hinkley said.
"As we build this football club, having outstanding people around our players is critical.
“Nigel shares our belief that development is about more than improving footballers – it's about helping young people grow as athletes, teammates and people, and he'll play a really important role in shaping our environment to facilitate that.
"I've admired Nigel's work for a long time, and I know the impact he'll have on our program."
The Devils will soon welcome a host of gun 17-year-olds who will be eligible to play for the VFL side next year.
Former Essendon coach Brad Scott was initially sounded out for the head of football gig, but ultimately decided the timing wasn't right.
