Nigel Lappin was known simultaneously as one of the nicest and toughest blokes to ever pull on a Lions guernsey.

Lappin, a country boy from Chiltern, Victoria, was drafted to the Brisbane Bears with Pick No. 2 in 1993.

In his 15-year career he played 279 games for the Lions and Bears and in that time won three AFL premierships; played in four AFL Grand Finals; was a four time All Australian and became Co-Captain in 2007.

Former Coach Leigh Matthews once described him as “the perfect player.”

On field Lappin was regarded for his toughness and long, accurate boot. He was a member of the Lions’ brilliant “Fab Four” in the midfield which included then Captain Michael Voss, Simon Black and Jason Akermanis.

One of the most famous stories of Lappin was the 2003 AFL Grand Final where he played an entire game of football with two broken ribs and a punctured lung. He was still one of the Lions best for the afternoon.

In 2012 Lappin was inducted into the Brisbane Lions Hall of Fame.

This year the Brisbane Lions will induct a triple premiership player and teammate of Nigel Lappin. Be there for a night of celebration on Saturday 8 June at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Packages start from $195 per person. Get your tickets from lions hospitality.com.au or call 03 8850 5602.