New Richmond defender Tro Chaplin hits back at Port's parting shot Sam Edmund
From: Herald Sun
October 06, 2012 FORMER Port Adelaide defender Troy Chaplin is bemused by accusations by the club that he is vulnerable to knee problems.
The Power this week cited concerns about Chaplin's recently injured knee as the reason for not matching Richmond's four-year contract offer.
In a parting shot, Port football manager Peter Rohde said the club considered "detailed medical opinion" before letting the 26-year-old walk as a restricted free agent.
"Troy needed serious knee surgery towards the end of 2012, and while we hope he has many years of football left, we're not prepared to commit to the extent Richmond is," Rohde said.
Chaplin, who met Richmond officials at Punt Rd, admitted he was surprised by the comments.
"I was a little bit disappointed because I still catch up with the physio weekly and there hasn't been an issue," Chaplin said.
"I suppose they've got to do their due diligence, and if they didn't think that was a fair deal, then that's up to them. But I caught up with the Richmond doctor and physio, and they've got no problems with it.
"That's (Port's) view and Richmond have given me another view and I'm obviously coming over here to go with theirs."
Chaplin had an arthroscope late in the season to ease bone-on-bone soreness stemming from an incident in the NAB Cup. He played on, delaying surgery for most of the season because of Port's injury crisis.
"We thought it was just going to be a clean-up," he said.
"It obviously needed a bit more done, but at the end of the day that's what they've said and they chose not to match the deal.
"I've got no problems with the football club. They've been extremely good to me over the nine years.
"Clubs are around for ever, but players come and go."
Chaplin won't be ready for the start of pre-season training next month, but hopes to be doing the full program by January at the latest.
"I'm heading towards full recovery now," he said.
"I'm on the bike and all that stuff. I've got one crutch to walk long distances, but other than that I can walk no problems at all.
"It's coming along fine and the rehab is going nicely. I'm looking forward to playing Round 1 at the MCG."
Chaplin was excited at the prospect of helping young defenders Alex Rance, Dylan Grimes and Jake Batchelor, and working with exciting talents Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/new-richmond-defender-tro-chaplin-hits-back-at-ports-parting-shot/story-e6frf9jf-1226489454204
