Matthew Lappin

Recruited to St Kilda via the 1993 National Draft, Matthew Lappin began his career as a talented but inconsistent forward. While he played in the Saints' 1997 Grand Final side, he struggled to cement a permanent role under Stan Alves and was placed on the trade table following the 1998 season. He was subsequently traded to Carlton in exchange for low draft picks, a move that proved to be a masterstroke for the Blues as Lappin developed into one of their most important players of the following decade.

Affectionately known as "Skinny" due to his slight frame, Lappin defied concerns about his durability to become an elite half-forward and wingman. He possessed exceptional aerobic capacity and clean hands, renowned for his ability to take spectacular overhead marks—including the 1999 Mark of the Year—and finish accurately from tight angles. His consistency during a difficult era for Carlton was rewarded with All-Australian selection in 2004 and the club's leading goalkicker award in 2001. By the time he retired in 2007 with over 250 games to his name, he had established himself as a fan favourite and a highly skilled utility who far exceeded initial expectations.