Lappin, who announced his retirement from Carlton yesterday, played with the Magpies’ star at the Blues in 2003 and 2004.

McCormick played 26 games with the Blues in his two seasons at the club before crossing to the Magpies where Lappin’s brother, Jason, is coach.

“He was the unluckiest bloke I played footy with I reckon,” Lappin said.

“He had a really good year as a first-year player and I think the coach wanted him to get fitter and play more midfield but unfortunately he couldn’t slot into the midfield in the seniors.

“He should have played more AFL footy than he did.

“He is way too good for the Ovens and Murray.

“It will probably annoy him to hear that from someone.”

Lappin said he was likely to join the Magpies for a training run next Thursday night to try to lift the minor premier’s spirits that have been rocked by indifferent form and a collarbone injury to McCormick.

“Jason has asked me to come and have a run around with them, I’ll see how my schedule is, it should be right,” he said.

“I’ll have a train with them on Thursday if I’m feeling okay and then beat Jason on the golf course on Friday and watch them in the finals on the Saturday.”

Lappin, of a similar build to McCormick, who stands at 181cm and is just 70kg, said that when the opportunity arises to play AFL football you have got to take it and then have a little bit of luck.

“You probably get one crack at it maybe,” he said.

“Fourteen years ago somebody took a chance on me and you’ve just got to get that opportunity.

“Jon is stiff, so stiff, I have seen him play two or three times up there and he is way too good for that league.”