From the Age
"Paul Chapman has become an Essendon player, agreeing to terms with the Bombers as a free agent. Chapman, 32, will be reunited with his former coach Mark Thompson on an incentive-based deal in which he can earn a second season.
Chapman was moved on by Geelong as the club pursued a youth policy, but was keen to continue his playing career and had discussions with a number of clubs, including Carlton, which baulked at the asking price. The signing of Chapman by Essendon is a reflection of the Bombers' belief that it can contend for a top-four spot and also of the fact that the Dons needed to recruit players without early draft picks, due to AFL penalties."