By Andrew Wiles – @andrewjwiles
If Labrador already had a target on their back as one of the teams to beat in 2015, it just got much bigger.
The club today confirmed that ex-AFL players, and current Gold Coast SUNS coaching staff members Josh Fraser and Matthew Lappin will wear the yellow and black in 2015.
Senior coach Rodney Eade has ticked off on the two decorated AFL players returning to play community footy this year, in what is sure to cause a stir amongst the QAFL ranks.
With over 450 AFL games experience between the two, they will be sure to provide invaluable experience to the Tigers lineup.
It’s not time to hit the panic button just yet for the nine other QAFL clubs, as Fraser and Lappin will only be available for selection for a proportion of the season.
Labrador coach Steve Daniel is excited by the prospect of such decorated AFL players running out in Tigers colours.
“Its great that Frase and Skinny want to have a kick around the QAFL,” Daniel said.
“Their obligations to the Gold Coast SUNS are at the forefront, but when available will have a kick with us.
“They bring a wealth of experience to the young group and we look forward to having them both around our club.”
Fraser played 200 AFL games for Collingwood, before a further 18 for the Gold Coast between 2011-2012 in their inaugural AFL team.
He took the NEAFL coaching reigns in 2014, after two years away from the game.
Lappin played 251 for St Kilda and Carlton, and was an All Australian in 2001, 2005 and 2006.
Following his retirement at the end of 2007, he stayed on with Carlton as an assistant coach, before moving over to Collingwood in 2010 as their forward line coach.
He took up a development role with the SUNS during the off-season, following new senior coach Rodney Eade over from Collingwood.
Both will bolster an already impressive Tigers lineup, who open their 2015 campaign on April 11 against Sandgate at Cooke-Murphy Oval.
