NORTH Melbourne has filled its two vacant coaching positions for 2010 with the appointment of former Collingwood utility Shane Watson and dual Wangaratta Magpies premiership coach Jason Lappin.
Watson (backline coach) has spent the last three years at the helm of TAC Cup side Eastern Ranges while Lappin (development coach ), the older brother of ex-Carlton forward and current assistant coach Matthew, will return to Melbourne after an eight-year association with the Magpies.
The pair completes Brad Scott's staff, which also includes Darren Crocker (senior assistant/midfield), Brett Allison (forwards), Glenn Archer (specialist) and John Lamont (development).
"Both appointments are very much in line with our philosophy to create the best learning and development environment in the AFL," Scott said.
"Shane comes very highly regarded and has a tremendous ability to coach young players.
"Jason was extremely impressive throughout the interview process and he brings an intimate knowledge of AFL footy through his experience at the Western Bulldogs. [He] brings a terrific mix to our football club."
Watson, 35, contacted chief of football Donald McDonald last month after meeting with AFL clubs regarding draft prospects for his Eastern Ranges graduates.
Following a 141-game career with Collingwood, Watson played three seasons with the Northern Bullants in the VFL, coached Lower Plenty in the then-Diamond Valley Football League and was an assistant coach with Sandringham in the TAC Cup competition.
He said he was looking forward to working with Scott and North's other staff, particularly Archer who will act as a mentor to some of the club's young backmen.
"I played almost exactly half of my career as a defender, even though it was a little while ago," Watson said.
"Brad's obviously kicking off his AFL senior coaching career [and has some] great North Melbourne people there as well.
"With what Glenn's done in football, he's got that instant respect already. It will be great working alongside him to help develop that backline."
Watson added that coaching a side in his own right while focusing on preparing players for AFL level had been invaluable.
For Lappin, a combination of experiences has brought him to his new role.
He joined the Western Bulldogs for the 1996 season, only to badly break his leg and lose his place on the list. He was rookie-listed for 1997 and then released after another pre-season.
Lappin spent two years with Wodonga in the Ovens and Murray Football League and two more with Coburg in the VFL before joining Wangaratta as a playing assistant coach in 2002.
Winning four best and fairest awards, he retired at the end of 2006 and then coached the club to flags in 2007 and 2008 - the first of those breaking a 32-year drought.
Lappin sought the advice of Danny Frawley and Paul Armstrong at the AFL Coaches Association when considering his opportunities at the elite level.
A teacher at Rutherglen High School, the 35-year-old will join North in a full-time capacity by Christmas.
"With development, you're looking at first- to third-year players and they're all only a couple of years older than the kids I'm dealing with on a day-to-day basis now," Lappin said.
"With the draft picks they've got, the young list, the young coaching group and new facility, it's a good time to be at the club and a good opportunity for me to cut my teeth."
North will confirm its director of sports science and a number of other football department appointments in the coming weeks.
New player development manager Jon Haines will cross from the West Australian Football Commission this month.
