Retired #3: Paul Chapman

[rines]

Chappy looks good.. but how awesome does the facility look?!!! Hopefully a few more players get a chance to check it out.. and this time next year.. we will be the destination of choice for FA!!!

 

[Giggidy Giggidy]

"Now being at such a great club who have won as many premierships as anyone... might be one less I'm not too sure."

Delist.

 

[Ashton Agar]

Delist.

He still has to learn our history now! He wouldn't keep track of other clubs flags while he is playing I wouldn't have thought.

 

[longdaveyjetta]

He still has to learn our history now! He wouldn't keep track of other clubs flags while he is playing I wouldn't have thought.

Chappy's gonna have so much fun on big footy when he can say he's got more premierships than you, wins every time...and if carlton fans chirp up just tell em to look at my sig...How to win Big footy Essendon style..

 

[Andronicus]

and given the No.3

would have given him 35 and Gleeson no 12 or 3

Disagree.

It seems 35 was an unlucky number for him. It netted him on average, a premiership in less than 1/4 of his seasons.

He and the bombers are both expecting an improved hit rate now in the new number 3.

 

[Jhye Clark 13]

It's going to pull at the heartstrings watching Chappy running around for another club, but that's football I guess.

It's a great signing for the Bombers, and one that now puts you right into contention for the premiership if he can remain fit for the entire season. He's still got 2 decent years of quality football left, and at the same time I can see the reasons why Geelong failed to offer him a suitable contract, not that I agree with them entirely.

I'll be following Essendon a lot more closely next season and I hope Chappy continues on the path of excellence and quality.

All the best.

 

[Andronicus]

It's going to pull at the heartstrings watching Chappy running around for another club, but that's football I guess.

It's a great signing for the Bombers, and one that now puts you right into contention for the premiership if he can remain fit for the entire season. He's still got 2 decent years of quality football left, and at the same time I can see the reasons why Geelong failed to offer him a suitable contract, not that I agree with them entirely.

I'll be following Essendon a lot more closely next season and I hope Chappy continues on the path of excellence and quality.

All the best.

Out of curiosity, would you as a Geelong supporter prefer to see him playing for another team (other than Hawthorn) or retire from the game? Assuming playing on at Geelong was out of the equation.

Not so much for the goals he could kick against the cats, just as a player in general.

 

[Jhye Clark 13]

Out of curiosity, would you as a Geelong supporter prefer to see him playing for another team (other than Hawthorn) or retire from the game? Assuming playing on at Geelong was out of the equation.

Not so much for the goals he could kick against the cats, just as a player in general.

For purely selfish reasons, I'd prefer that he retired and remained a one club player, but it'd be a waste of footballing talent if he would have done so, considering I think he's still got a lot to offer in terms of high standard football.

I'll still take a vested interest and consider myself lucky enough to still get to witness him play, albeit at another club.

He's been an absolute star performer and I sincerely hope he continues to perform at a high standard.

 

[hurlygurdy]

It's going to pull at the heartstrings watching Chappy running around for another club, but that's football I guess.

It's a great signing for the Bombers, and one that now puts you right into contention for the premiership if he can remain fit for the entire season. He's still got 2 decent years of quality football left, and at the same time I can see the reasons why Geelong failed to offer him a suitable contract, not that I agree with them entirely.

I'll be following Essendon a lot more closely next season and I hope Chappy continues on the path of excellence and quality.

All the best.

There's one glaring issue on a common sense level, that i have with Geelongs handling of his contract. They wanted him to play about half the season and offered him a contract on that basis. Now the chances of that happening because of age related niggles is so damn high that i don't see why it needed to go into writing? And lets say he didn't get those niggles and just happened to play out the whole damn season? The result could well be another flag for ffs! I just don't see how your club could have lost out of those two scenarios, unless they actually believe that he has really declined in quality as a player. I only saw his finals performances, but based on that i cannot see a decline... It comes down to the fact that they were actually scared of one of their greatest champions playing out most or all of the season! It beggars belief.
He has been really good about it in the media, but i think it is outrageous that a club dumps a champion performing near their peak, unless it is because their bodies have become too unreliable. Apparently in his case, his body is not unreliable enough!

 

[Jhye Clark 13]

There's one glaring issue on a common sense level, that i have with Geelongs handling of his contract. They wanted him to play about half the season and offered him a contract on that basis. Now the chances of that happening because of age related niggles is so damn high that i don't see why it needed to go into writing? And lets say he didn't get those niggles and just happened to play out the whole damn season? The result could well be another flag for ffs! I just don't see how your club could have lost out of those two scenarios, unless they actually believe that he has really declined in quality as a player. I only saw his finals performances, but based on that i cannot see a decline... It comes down to the fact that they were actually scared of one of their greatest champions playing out most or all of the season! It beggars belief.
He has been really good about it in the media, but i think it is outrageous that a club dumps a champion performing near their peak, unless it is because their bodies have become too unreliable. Apparently in his case, his body is not unreliable enough!

It's a matter of developing some of the kids into the 30-50 game bracket. The club had no doubt Chapman could still perform, but the risk of him taking the spot of a younger player who needs the exposure to senior football for his development, then retiring and leaving our list vulnerable with more impending retirements was the motivating factor.

The need to stagnate the retirements and fast track the kids was seen as paramount. Chappy continues to play and Horlin-Smith, Smedts etc, are void of much needed gametime, and you get to a situation at the end of 2014 where Bartel, Enright and the like decide to retire and the balance of the senior side is unstable with experience. You're then throwing in youngsters with minimal exposure among players retiring the year after.

It was merely a list issue and the need to transition the list so that we give ourselves the best chance of playing at a high standard without bottoming out.

 

[Geelong_Sicko]

Out of curiosity, would you as a Geelong supporter prefer to see him playing for another team (other than Hawthorn) or retire from the game? Assuming playing on at Geelong was out of the equation.

Not so much for the goals he could kick against the cats, just as a player in general.

For purely selfish reasons, I'd prefer that he retired and remained a one club player, but it'd be a waste of footballing talent if he would have done so, considering I think he's still got a lot to offer in terms of high standard football...

I feel exactly the same the same way MD does. All of our club legends - if 'home-grown' from the start - should ideally be one-team players. Like said though, it would be a waste of Chappy's talent pulling the plug when he felt he had a lot more to give.

Older Essendon fans would especially have an insight into this when one of your previous no 3's in Paul Salmon left the Bombers to join f*cking Hawthorn, of all clubs. I can imagine that sticking in a fair few craws...

 

[Walesy]

It's a matter of developing some of the kids into the 30-50 game bracket. The club had no doubt Chapman could still perform, but the risk of him taking the spot of a younger player who needs the exposure to senior football for his development, then retiring and leaving our list vulnerable with more impending retirements was the motivating factor.

The need to stagnate the retirements and fast track the kids was seen as paramount. Chappy continues to play and Horlin-Smith, Smedts etc, are void of much needed gametime, and you get to a situation at the end of 2014 where Bartel, Enright and the like decide to retire and the balance of the senior side is unstable with experience. You're then throwing in youngsters with minimal exposure among players retiring the year after.

It was merely a list issue and the need to transition the list so that we give ourselves the best chance of playing at a high standard without bottoming out.

Great post. From a club perspective, it was the right thing for Geelong to do. Happily, it also looks like a win for us- so it's wins all round.

 

[Stopher]

It's a matter of developing some of the kids into the 30-50 game bracket. The club had no doubt Chapman could still perform, but the risk of him taking the spot of a younger player who needs the exposure to senior football for his development, then retiring and leaving our list vulnerable with more impending retirements was the motivating factor.

The need to stagnate the retirements and fast track the kids was seen as paramount. Chappy continues to play and Horlin-Smith, Smedts etc, are void of much needed gametime, and you get to a situation at the end of 2014 where Bartel, Enright and the like decide to retire and the balance of the senior side is unstable with experience. You're then throwing in youngsters with minimal exposure among players retiring the year after.

It was merely a list issue and the need to transition the list so that we give ourselves the best chance of playing at a high standard without bottoming out.

Yep, in short, Geelong had too many players 30+ while Essendon probably didn't have enough! Or more to the point, Essendon needed guys with finals experience to hold us in good stead come the pointy end of the season, so in getting Chapman after Goddard, we know we have two great players that have performed when it mattered.

It is also why being removed from the finals this season just gone was a kick in the nads as it denied our players invaluble experience of September footy. Even Richmond's players going through the ordeal they did will be better for it, painful as it was. I'm going a bit off-topic here, but you get my drift....

 

[rines]

I understand needing to stagger retirements... see Aus Cricket Team for further info...

But I would have thought that a club legend who is still playing good footy (best 3 in last 2 games) is maybe not the guy you 'move on'...

But your loss is our gain..

 

[Andronicus]

I feel exactly the same the same way MD does. All of our club legends - if 'home-grown' from the start - should ideally be one-team players. Like said though, it would be a waste of Chappy's talent pulling the plug when he felt he had a lot more to give.

Older Essendon fans would especially have an insight into this when one of your previous no 3's in Paul Salmon left the Bombers to join f*cking Hawthorn, of all clubs. I can imagine that sticking in a fair few craws...

I liked this post because I agree with everything you said.

I don't like the bit about Salmon to Hawthorn though. That is just a painful memory.

 

[Doss]

Completely and totally understand the sentiment of Geelong fans who wish Chappy had remained a one club player.

Let's be honest, we'd be completely the same if Fletcher ever left, or if Lloyd had followed through on those expressions of informal interest from Collingwood and Carlton to play on with them. Seeing a club legend in other colours is not nice.

But, Cats fans, if it's any consolation, Chappy has moved to the only other club that hates Hawthorn as much as your club does.

 

[Jhye Clark 13]

I understand needing to stagger retirements... see Aus Cricket Team for further info...

But I would have thought that a club legend who is still playing good footy (best 3 in last 2 games) is maybe not the guy you 'move on'...

But your loss is our gain..

In my personal opinion, I would have thrown Bartel in Chapman's position. Whilst the vast majority of Geelong supporters upon hearing this will probably string me up by the balls, and propel rocks in my direction, I feel the pace of the game has caught up with him.

Not suited to the backline or midfield due to his lack of pace, and was exposed on occasions throughout the season, and Chappy's a better option than Bartel forward of the centre and through the midfield.

If Menzel was available I could see the logic, but alas he isn't.

Like you suggested, our loss is your gain, and He'll complement your structure nicely.

 

[hurlygurdy]

It's a matter of developing some of the kids into the 30-50 game bracket. The club had no doubt Chapman could still perform, but the risk of him taking the spot of a younger player who needs the exposure to senior football for his development, then retiring and leaving our list vulnerable with more impending retirements was the motivating factor.

The need to stagnate the retirements and fast track the kids was seen as paramount. Chappy continues to play and Horlin-Smith, Smedts etc, are void of much needed gametime, and you get to a situation at the end of 2014 where Bartel, Enright and the like decide to retire and the balance of the senior side is unstable with experience. You're then throwing in youngsters with minimal exposure among players retiring the year after.

It was merely a list issue and the need to transition the list so that we give ourselves the best chance of playing at a high standard without bottoming out.

Don't get me wrong i did understand the theory. I just think theory like that in the case of club champions who are still carving it up is absolute rubbish. If it wasn't for that high bump he probably would have given you another flag. Team f**king transition can go get stuffed. Kids can wait until champions are done. You guys might have lost a flag in 2014 in order to give a young guy a start one year early. It's over analysis and over planning in my book. It sucks the romance out of the team and club, when this team has shown that it can win on pure spirit already. Chappy personified that spirit.
Now he's ours mwahaha!

 

[Andronicus]

Let's be honest, we'd be completely the same if Fletcher ever left,

Yeah, but Chappy only has a couple of years left.

Fletch is still in the first half of his career.

 

[rines]

In my personal opinion, I would have thrown Bartel in Chapman's position. Whilst the vast majority of Geelong supporters upon hearing this will probably string me up by the balls, and propel rocks in my direction, I feel the pace of the game has caught up with him.

Not suited to the backline or midfield due to his lack of pace, and was exposed on occasions throughout the season, and Chappy's a better option than Bartel forward of the centre and through the midfield.

If Menzel was available I could see the logic, but alas he isn't.

Like you suggested, our loss is your gain, and He'll complement your structure nicely.

Correct that you will be flamed, but I agree on Bartel. Very good player, and i guy you would walk into battle beside no worries.. but has lost a touch of pace and doesn't appear to be able to run out games in the midfield..

Having said that.. surely a Brownlow means you get to say when??

Tough call on both I'd say... personally I think the Cats thought Chappy would be happy to take the role offered.. be the ultimate club man..

 

[BomberFan355]

I thought i read somewhere that the limited games contract that was offered also meant that those games would be against the lower sides, is that correct? If true, it makes it more understandable that he didn't accept the offer.

 

[fairlight_cmi]

In my personal opinion, I would have thrown Bartel in Chapman's position. Whilst the vast majority of Geelong supporters upon hearing this will probably string me up by the balls, and propel rocks in my direction, I feel the pace of the game has caught up with him.

Not suited to the backline or midfield due to his lack of pace, and was exposed on occasions throughout the season, and Chappy's a better option than Bartel forward of the centre and through the midfield.

If Menzel was available I could see the logic, but alas he isn't.

Like you suggested, our loss is your gain, and He'll complement your structure nicely.

Yeah cool, send him over next year. Thanks.

 

[longdaveyjetta]

Disagree.

It seems 35 was an unlucky number for him. It netted him on average, a premiership in less than 1/4 of his seasons.

He and the bombers are both expecting an improved hit rate now in the new number 3.

Yeah, I'm with you, Chappy's gonna get 3 for free...funny ad this one..

 

[longdaveyjetta]

I feel exactly the same the same way MD does. All of our club legends - if 'home-grown' from the start - should ideally be one-team players. Like said though, it would be a waste of Chappy's talent pulling the plug when he felt he had a lot more to give.

Older Essendon fans would especially have an insight into this when one of your previous no 3's in Paul Salmon left the Bombers to join f*cking Hawthorn, of all clubs. I can imagine that sticking in a fair few craws...

Wasn't as bad for us as we got Wellman and Barnard in return for Fish, I can understand why some cat's fans aren't 100% happy with him in red and black, at least it's not poo and wee..

 

[Giggidy Giggidy]

He still has to learn our history now! He wouldn't keep track of other clubs flags while he is playing I wouldn't have thought.

My comment was clearly tongue-in-cheek, although I would think most football enthusiasts, let alone players, would know which club/s have the most premierships.