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:)Lappin back at Blues in development role 4:22 PM Mon 5 November, 2007 | Back Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network News RECENTLY retired Carlton forward Matthew Lappin has accepted the role of assistant development coach with the Blues. "Matthew has an outstanding knowledge of the game and he will play an important role in assisting to fast-track the development of our young players," Carlton football manager Stephen Icke said said. Lappin will also continue his playing career with the Northern Bullants, Carlton's VFL affiliate, and will assist playing coach, David Teague. Carlton's senior coach Brett Ratten welcomed his former teammate back to the club as part of the new-look coaching panel at training on Monday morning. "We are delighted that Matthew will continue his affiliation with the Carlton Football Club, he is a true Carlton person and he will be a great asset to our coaching team." Lappin played 196 games for Carlton after he was originally drafted by St Kilda in 1993 as a third-round selection (no.40 overall), where he played 55 games between 1994 and 1998. He retired after the round-20 match this year against Essendon at the MCG at the age of 31. An All-Australian player in 2004, the same year he finished third in Carlton’s best and fairest wward, Lappin was a member of the 1999 Grand Final team and the 2005 and 2007 pre-season premiership teams. He was Carlton’s leading goalkicker in 2001 and has represented Australia in five International Rules matches against Ireland.