Chapman - Still no respect......Why is it so?

[Collingwoodrow]

I have a question for all Geelong fans.....listening to 3AW last week the likes of Carey, Healey, Walls and Russell were debating who are the five most important Geelong players......the likes of Jnr, Milburn, Bartell, Mooney and Scarlett were all pretty much on most lists with I think only one vote for Ottens, Stevie Johnson and only one amazingly (I think it was Wallsy) voting for Paul Chapman.

I love this guy. Hard at the ball and man, tackles hard, forward pressure is great, can go into the middle and clear the pil and is great in the air for his size and a genuine goal kicker.

He was probably your best performer last year over the course of 22 rounds. He also was vocal earlier this season and last about the need for some players to harden the fcuk up and play unselfish football.

Also....why is he not in your leadership group? Everything about the way this guy goes about his footy indicates genuine leader?

Can anyone explain to me why this guy is so underappreciated? My favorite Geelong player since the great Buddha Hocking.......please enlighten me. Of all your guys (except for Ottens...purely coz we need a ruck).....Chappy would be the guy I'd most like to see in black and white.

[Rik E Boy]

I think you're speaking to the converted here Woodrow. If it was up to the fans I reckon Chapman would be skipper right now. He'd get my vote, but happy with the job Harley has done so far.

regards,

REB

[Mooney_d'King]

I think it may be for a couple of reasons:

He hasn't played a lot of games this season so he's been out of the casual observer's view

I can only think he's not in the leadership group because there are more senior guys in it at the moment. Some things may well change next year though.

As REB said, we all love him!!

[CatmanForever]

Chappy has been injured this year and has missed games. Since his return probably hasn't been at his best (until last week that is) so I can understand why some of our other players are more in the spotlight this year. We all love him because he is a hard nut and he always gives his all. He is going to be very important to the squad come finals time that is for sure.

[Partridge]

I love this guy. Hard at the ball and man, tackles hard, forward pressure is great, can go into the middle and clear the pil and is great in the air for his size and a genuine goal kicker.

He was probably your best performer last year over the course of 22 rounds. He also was vocal earlier this season and last about the need for some players to harden the fcuk up and play unselfish football.


Couldn't agree more, and you're spot on with your assessment. I think Mooney DK's reasoning is pretty accurate, he's missed some games and hasn't really shown his best until last week against Essendon. Don't worry, we love him and wouldn't trade him for anything.

From my own point of view though, I couldn't care less about "respect", especially from those media clowns you mentioned. As long as we keep winning they can continue to talk up everyone else all they want.

This won't make you feel better, but in case you didn't know, Chappy was a Collingwood fan. He asked for number 35 because his favourite player was Daicos.

[Collingwoodrow]

Couldn't agree more, and you're spot on with your assessment. I think Mooney DK's reasoning is pretty accurate, he's missed some games and hasn't really shown his best until last week against Essendon. Don't worry, we love him and wouldn't trade him for anything.

From my own point of view though, I couldn't care less about "respect", especially from those media clowns you mentioned. As long as we keep winning they can continue to talk up everyone else all they want.

This won't make you feel better, but in case you didn't know, Chappy was a Collingwood fan. He asked for number 35 because his favourite player was Daicos.

Not only a fine player but a man of exquisite taste......I knew there was something special about Chappy.

I agree with your comment about "Media clowns" but I get pissed that a guy like Chappy barely rates a mention except for maybe once a season an article will come along about how underated he is....and then he goes on being ignored.

I know Gary Jnr has had a great season (and career)....but I would think to this stage, Chappy's career would be at the least comparable, in most respects the equal of...and in some respects superior.

Now that Gary Jnr is reported to be working a little harder on the track his class will take him to the top.

[Jim Boy]

At his best he is in our best five for sure, but I'm not certain that he is in our most important 5. Players like Ottens, Mooney, Scarlett, Wojcinski and to a lesser degree Milburn have rolls which are integral to our team's success and where they are playing a lone hand in that role. Chapman also plays a vital role, but that role is shared with likes of Bartel and Ablett and out of all the players I've mentioned so far, he is arguably the most expendable.

[Budha32]

What is it with the invasion of numbnut pies fans on the geelong board this week???

[CatmanForever]

What is it with the invasion of numbnut pies fans on the geelong board this week???


I am sure we wont here a squeak from them after the game on Saturday if we win

[G_Money]

What is it with the invasion of numbnut pies fans on the geelong board this week???

The dude asked a sensible question, and put it in a very civilised tone and was respectful toward our club and players. Why call him a 'numbnut'?

[S "Thinks He's Daicos" J]

I think he's taken over from Scarlett as our best player. Is solid in every part of his game - I still think Ablett misses too many set shots. I'd put my life on Chapman when the chips are down.

[happy_eagle]

chapmans one of my favourite playerrs

saved my dream team aswell

[Partridge]

I know Gary Jnr has had a great season (and career)....but I would think to this stage, Chappy's career would be at the least comparable, in most respects the equal of...and in some respects superior.


Before this season I would totally agree. Personally I rated Chapman as our number 2 player (behind Scarlett) before round 1. Now though, I must admit I reckon Ablett has just about gone past him. Although I still think Chapman is our most reliable shot for goal.

[DBAH0]

Garry Lyon said after Chappy kicked the 1st goal against the Dons "He's a very good player" JB and BT proceeded to give it to him for the rest of the night for calling him that and not a star.

IMHO, when he's in form, he's a star. He should have argubly been AA last season, and I don't think there's many players around who have the ability to break tackles like he does, and find the ball so often. And he offers you that versatility b/w the midfield and the forward line.

[Budda 230]

Garry Lyon said after Chappy kicked the 1st goal against the Dons "He's a very good player" JB and BT proceeded to give it to him for the rest of the night for calling him that and not a star.

IMHO, when he's in form, he's a star. He should have argubly been AA last season, and I don't think there's many players around who have the ability to break tackles like he does, and find the ball so often. And he offers you that versatility b/w the midfield and the forward line.

Yeah, that was pretty funny stuff.

Chapman would be one of the first 3 players picked each week. In fact, I'd almost pick him 1st. Fantastic player. One of the only players to stand up last year.

[a.f.k.a.y.o.p.]

Before this season I would totally agree. Personally I rated Chapman as our number 2 player (behind Scarlett) before round 1. Now though, I must admit I reckon Ablett has just about gone past him. Although I still think Chapman is our most reliable shot for goal.
Partridge - im dissapointed at this comment.
Chapman has only just started to hit his straps form this hammy.
Last week was the first really good hit out he has this year - the result? BOG to most.
Gaz has been on fire since the start - Gaz wont win the Chas because in the next 6 rounds, both Chapman and Bartel will be robbing him of votes. Heed my wisdom grasshopper...........Chapman will return to Number 2 in thine eyes........cometh the hour, cometh the man........

[ecleftic]

Chappy IS in the leadership group and deservedly so:thumbsu:.



Go CATS!!

[WE Are Geelong]

Chapman has only recently got back to his most consistent form. He is always good but he was stellar last season and struggled with injury in the pre season.

He is in the top five at the club but Geelong now no longer has a dirth of A grade players so the fact he isnt always mentioned is probably a plus for us more than anything. I understand why you want him so badly though.

[The rabbi]

Yep, with Chapmans injury, it should be remembered that he had so much of the ball in the first half against Richmond that he burnt his hammy out. His possessions would have been quite good even if had played 4 quarters. I've said it before. Chapman is so honest you could trust him with your daughter (I said your daughter). He does not cheat on his team mates. Always working hard in the packs and is hard as nails at the footy. Does not waste the ball and is the most reliable kick at goal in the team. As much as I admire Jr, Chapman is a far more reliable kick at goal.

[Collingwoodrow]

Chappy IS in the leadership group and deservedly so:thumbsu:.



Go CATS!!


Are you sure? I know I read he was left out of the leadership group this year in a Mike Sheehan article. I don't fall off my chair often, but I certianly did when I read it!

[turtlemanistic]

At his best he is in our best five for sure, but I'm not certain that he is in our most important 5. Players like Ottens, Mooney, Scarlett, Wojcinski and to a lesser degree Milburn have rolls which are integral to our team's success and where they are playing a lone hand in that role. Chapman also plays a vital role, but that role is shared with likes of Bartel and Ablett and out of all the players I've mentioned so far, he is arguably the most expendable.

Yup I agree. I think he's a fantastic player and I love watching him, but in terms of importance to a team, say structure-wise, others take precedence. He is very, very good at what he does, and if he's not there somebody usually takes on the role, but has less of an impact.

[turtlemanistic]

Yep, with Chapmans injury, it should be remembered that he had so much of the ball in the first half against Richmond that he burnt his hammy out. His possessions would have been quite good even if had played 4 quarters. I've said it before. Chapman is so honest you could trust him with your daughter (I said your daughter). He does not cheat on his team mates. Always working hard in the packs and is hard as nails at the footy. Does not waste the ball and is the most reliable kick at goal in the team. As much as I admire Jr, Chapman is a far more reliable kick at goal.

Certainly this year he has, but I would argue that in 05-06 Jr was easily the best host for goal on our team - don't know what's happened to his set shots this year

[Collingwoodrow]

Yup I agree. I think he's a fantastic player and I love watching him, but in terms of importance to a team, say structure-wise, others take precedence. He is very, very good at what he does, and if he's not there somebody usually takes on the role, but has less of an impact.


This summation surprises me from a Geelong supporter. I would have thought the toughness at the man and the ball that Chappy brings has been as a whole Geelong's great weakness for many a year. Not only skillful, physically menacing but mentally tough as nails.

Come finals time, I can't think of too many players I'd want starting in the middle and going forward.

But I am an avid fan of his......I know Mooney provides similar physicality but to me has never displayed anywhere near the mental toughness of Chappy.

[turtlemanistic]

This summation surprises me from a Geelong supporter. I would have thought the toughness at the man and the ball that Chappy brings has been as a whole Geelong's great weakness for many a year. Not only skillful, physically menacing but mentally tough as nails.

Come finals time, I can't think of too many players I'd want starting in the middle and going forward.

But I am an avid fan of his......I know Mooney provides similar physicality but to me has never displayed anywhere near the mental toughness of Chappy.

Yes but Chappy can't play full-forward, or CHF. Well he can, but playing on a top defender whilst staying in the F50 isn't where he's at his best. Mooney (this year) has become our focal point, or at least the guy we'd go to the most in the F50, and for that reason he is more important, as our smaller forwards feed off him.

You asked this in regard to the importance within the team, and I'm taking this structurally. I reckon Chappy is one of the best players going around, but structurally, he isn't as important.

[Catsace]

Yup I agree. I think he's a fantastic player and I love watching him, but in terms of importance to a team, say structure-wise, others take precedence. He is very, very good at what he does, and if he's not there somebody usually takes on the role, but has less of an impact.

Ooohhhhh!! Chapman has a massive impact on the game, and we will see that in spades later this year. He rarely wastes a possession, and now that he has hit form this will give Geelong a fillip that will be a massive advantage to a side that has been up for a long time now.

Geelong were only middling for the 2nd half of 2005. I mean by that, we were something like 9-4and finished the year 13-11 all up, so we lost most of the latter games of that season. Chapman did a hamstring in about Rd 19, then re-did it in Rd 22, and missed our finals. Last year he won the Best and Fairest, in a side that lacked all sorts of things, he stood tall. He had a slow pre-season due to some residual recovery, then did his hammy against the Tigers in Rd 6. So the upshot is that we haven't seen Chapman at his best in a genuinely good Geelong side for almost two seasons. Mark my words, by the end of this season Chappy will have had a huge impact on our season, and i think i'd have him in the side almost above all others, maybe level with Little Gaz, Ottens and Scarlo. He really is THAT GOOD!:thumbsu:

[Kittenish]

I have a question for all Geelong fans.....listening to 3AW last week the likes of Carey, Healey, Walls and Russell were debating who are the five most important Geelong players......the likes of Jnr, Milburn, Bartell, Mooney and Scarlett were all pretty much on most lists with I think only one vote for Ottens, Stevie Johnson and only one amazingly (I think it was Wallsy) voting for Paul Chapman.

I love this guy. Hard at the ball and man, tackles hard, forward pressure is great, can go into the middle and clear the pil and is great in the air for his size and a genuine goal kicker.

He was probably your best performer last year over the course of 22 rounds. He also was vocal earlier this season and last about the need for some players to harden the fcuk up and play unselfish football.

Also....why is he not in your leadership group? Everything about the way this guy goes about his footy indicates genuine leader?

Can anyone explain to me why this guy is so underappreciated? My favorite Geelong player since the great Buddha Hocking.......please enlighten me. Of all your guys (except for Ottens...purely coz we need a ruck).....Chappy would be the guy I'd most like to see in black and white.
There's no respect for Geelong players full stop.

When you say great footballer (like modern ones) you get names like Hird, Buckley, Farmer etc. But rarely anyone will pipe up and say Gary Ablett Jnr or Mooney.
Some people even discuss whether Gary Ablett Snr is truly a footy god. We get no respect.

[Catsace]

Yes but Chappy can't play full-forward, or CHF. Well he can, but playing on a top defender whilst staying in the F50 isn't where he's at his best. Mooney (this year) has become our focal point, or at least the guy we'd go to the most in the F50, and for that reason he is more important, as our smaller forwards feed off him.

You asked this in regard to the importance within the team, and I'm taking this structurally. I reckon Chappy is one of the best players going around, but structurally, he isn't as important.

Structually he will be massive, as who will other sides use to mind all of Gaz Jr, Chappy and S 'Thinks he's Daics' J? Few if any clubs can boast a stronger, more skilled group of small forwards/midfielders, and that's what will be integral to our structure. Chappy can mark, kick from 50 (As he demonstrated against the Dons), and he is mighty hard to tackle. I might be biased as i have him in my Supercoach side, but boy, 15 other clubs would move heaven and earth to get him in their sides pronto. If he was available as a free agent, the #1 pick would be used to get him, that's for sure.

[Catsace]

There's no respect for Geelong players full stop.

When you say great footballer (like modern ones) you get names like Hird, Buckley, Farmer etc. But rarely anyone will pipe up and say Gary Ablett Jnr or Mooney.
Some people even discuss whether Gary Ablett Snr is truly a footy god. We get no respect.

Here, here!!

[turtlemanistic]

Structually he will be massive, as who will other sides use to mind all of Gaz Jr, Chappy and S 'Thinks he's Daics' J? Few if any clubs can boast a stronger, more skilled group of small forwards/midfielders, and that's what will be integral to our structure. Chappy can mark, kick from 50 (As he demonstrated against the Dons), and he is mighty hard to tackle. I might be biased as i have him in my Supercoach side, but boy, 15 other clubs would move heaven and earth to get him in their sides pronto. If he was available as a free agent, the #1 pick would be used to get him, that's for sure.

Exactly. He's part of a core group of small forwards/midfielders, all of whom are excellent, and none of whom can be afforded a free run. That's part of what's making us so damn good this year.

[Catsace]

Are you sure? I know I read he was left out of the leadership group this year in a Mike Sheehan article. I don't fall off my chair often, but I certianly did when I read it!

There's some respect for him right here from a Pie's fan. Maybe we should do a 'Chappy Pol' and see if he's respected by other fans. I am sure he would be.

[S "Thinks He's Daicos" J]

Structually he will be massive, as who will other sides use to mind all of Gaz Jr, Chappy and S 'Thinks he's Daics' J? Few if any clubs can boast a stronger, more skilled group of small forwards/midfielders, and that's what will be integral to our structure. Chappy can mark, kick from 50 (As he demonstrated against the Dons), and he is mighty hard to tackle. I might be biased as i have him in my Supercoach side, but boy, 15 other clubs would move heaven and earth to get him in their sides pronto. If he was available as a free agent, the #1 pick would be used to get him, that's for sure.
Nice touch.

[Duskfire]

Chapman is an amazing player, no doubt about that. There has been times he has won us games; I remember in our 1 point win over Bulldogs last year as a match where he played particularly well and we won pretty much because of him. However, I would prefer him to miss a game then the likes of Ablett or Bartel or Mooney. Thats not to say he is a horrible player, but to me he is in our top 10, but probably not top 5. Of importance anyhow.

Wouldnt trade him for anyone in the world though.

[S "Thinks He's Daicos" J]

If I was a selector, Chapman and Scarlett would be my first two picked, no doubts.

[Duskfire]

My top 5 would probably be... Scarlett, Ablett Jnr, Cameron Mooney, Brad Otten, james Bartel. Purely for importance factors - Milburn, Chapman, Egan, etc etc would be up there too, no doubt about that.

[winty]

There's no respect for Geelong players full stop.

When you say great footballer (like modern ones) you get names like Hird, Buckley, Farmer etc. But rarely anyone will pipe up and say Gary Ablett Jnr or Mooney.
Some people even discuss whether Gary Ablett Snr is truly a footy god. We get no respect.

Spot on Kittenish! Earlier this week we even had some nuff-nuff in here with the audacity to call Gaz Junior a downhill skier! Blasphemy!

Interestingly, Gaz and Chappy are both averaging 16.4 possessions a game, both have scored 153 goals in their career, and both average over 3 tackles a game, yet Gaz gets all the plaudits while Chappy goes under the radar.

[ecleftic]

Are you sure? I know I read he was left out of the leadership group this year in a Mike Sheehan article. I don't fall off my chair often, but I certianly did when I read it! Chappy is definitely in the leadership group. It was Scarlett who was left out of the leadership group.



Go CATS!!

[Copernicus]

He gets respect from the fans, that's for sure. Even if the media wingnuts don't notice him, the rest of us do, although I am quite sure he's the kind of bloke who doesn't care whether he gets plaudits or not. He's a real team man and we're lucky to have him putting in every week for us.

[Collingwoodrow]

There's no respect for Geelong players full stop.

When you say great footballer (like modern ones) you get names like Hird, Buckley, Farmer etc. But rarely anyone will pipe up and say Gary Ablett Jnr or Mooney.
Some people even discuss whether Gary Ablett Snr is truly a footy god. We get no respect.

I'm not sure with this assessment.

Hird, Buckley, Voss, Carey, Dunstall, Lockett, Ablett Snr are the best footballers of the past 20 years....then you have your second tier (room for debate here I know) stars like Riccuito, McLeod, West, Brad Johnson, Koutafidies, Akermanis, Fletcher, Silvagni, Hocking....etc.

Gary Ablett Jnr one day will be mentioned amongst these players....Judd will be in the top group.

Mooney will be remembered as a good physical footballer with intangibles but a hot head (I know he has been more disciplined lately)....I wouldn't think a great of the game or in the elite of the competition. Very very good...but not great IMO.

Who is Farmer.......Polly? He was a great...please don't tell me you meant Jeff.

I dont think anyone with half a footy brain debates the greatness of Ablett Snr. And I think the Geelong players get their due in media circles. Billy makes sure of that!!!!!

[S "Thinks He's Daicos" J]

I'm not sure with this assessment.

Hird, Buckley, Voss, Carey, Dunstall, Lockett, Ablett Snr are the best footballers of the past 20 years....then you have your second tier (room for debate here I know) stars like Riccuito, McLeod, West, Brad Johnson, Koutafidies, Akermanis, Fletcher, Silvagni, Hocking....etc.

Gary Ablett Jnr one day will be mentioned amongst these players....Judd will be in the top group.

Mooney will be remembered as a good physical footballer with intangibles but a hot head (I know he has been more disciplined lately)....I wouldn't think a great of the game or in the elite of the competition. Very very good...but not great IMO.

Who is Farmer.......Polly? He was a great...please don't tell me you meant Jeff.

I dont think anyone with half a footy brain debates the greatness of Ablett Snr. And I think the Geelong players get their due in media circles. Billy makes sure of that!!!!!
Agreed, don't take too much notice of Kittenish.

[sarah.13]

I'm not sure with this assessment.

Hird, Buckley, Voss, Carey, Dunstall, Lockett, Ablett Snr are the best footballers of the past 20 years....then you have your second tier (room for debate here I know) stars like Riccuito, McLeod, West, Brad Johnson, Koutafidies, Akermanis, Fletcher, Silvagni, Hocking....etc.

Gary Ablett Jnr one day will be mentioned amongst these players....Judd will be in the top group.

Mooney will be remembered as a good physical footballer with intangibles but a hot head (I know he has been more disciplined lately)....I wouldn't think a great of the game or in the elite of the competition. Very very good...but not great IMO.

Who is Farmer.......Polly? He was a great...please don't tell me you meant Jeff.

I dont think anyone with half a footy brain debates the greatness of Ablett Snr. And I think the Geelong players get their due in media circles. Billy makes sure of that!!!!!

Good post,fair and balanced. I think you'll find that after this year Jnr will be considered amongst the elite in the comp.
I have a feeling that the Farmer was Jeff but Kittenish was just trying to make a valid point.

[Asty]

I'm not sure with this assessment.

Hird, Buckley, Voss, Carey, Dunstall, Lockett, Ablett Snr are the best footballers of the past 20 years....then you have your second tier (room for debate here I know) stars like Riccuito, McLeod, West, Brad Johnson, Koutafidies, Akermanis, Fletcher, Silvagni, Hocking....etc.

Gary Ablett Jnr one day will be mentioned amongst these players....Judd will be in the top group.

Mooney will be remembered as a good physical footballer with intangibles but a hot head (I know he has been more disciplined lately)....I wouldn't think a great of the game or in the elite of the competition. Very very good...but not great IMO.

Who is Farmer.......Polly? He was a great...please don't tell me you meant Jeff.

I dont think anyone with half a footy brain debates the greatness of Ablett Snr. And I think the Geelong players get their due in media circles. Billy makes sure of that!!!!!

I pretty much agree with that although if I throw personal opinion at it I think Riccuito could be considered in that top group of players. There is not much he hasn't done and was a dominant figure in his prime and injury free.

[a.f.k.a.y.o.p.]

Spot on Kittenish! Earlier this week we even had some nuff-nuff in here with the audacity to call Gaz Junior a downhill skier! Blasphemy!

Interestingly, Gaz and Chappy are both averaging 16.4 possessions a game, both have scored 153 goals in their career, and both average over 3 tackles a game, yet Gaz gets all the plaudits while Chappy goes under the radar.
Lets hope that opposing coaches think the same - then watch him "carve them up" as the big Ox said about Chappy during the Esseondon game! "never wastes a possession!"
Unstoppable when fully fit, and getting near that now.
Probably my fav Geelong player behind Wojak (He gets pipped because im Polish and have to stick to blood ties - but thats the only reason).

[dmc82]

He isn't in the top 5 most important players because we have similar players that can do his job when he's out. Not for a second am I suggesting that he's not in our best 5, but he is replacable (short term). We can win without him playing/performing, whereas guys like Scarlett, Mooney, Ottens etc. cannot be replaced as easily with similar type players who can consistently play well.

For me though, our top 5 most important players are Scarlett, Ottens, Mooney, Ablett and Ling.

Our best 5 would have Chapman in for Ottens and Bartel in for Ling (who would be fringe top 5). Also, Joel Corey is a lot more important than most of us actually give him credit for... and when in form he's brilliant.

[griff]

hes a tough little nut and absolutely invaluable..him and mooney are integral to team morale when things aren't going geelongs way