‘I used to hate you as a coach’Herald Sun
20 July 2016RICHMOND defender Troy Chaplin has announced his retirement from the AFL, effective immediately.
Chaplin played 215 games, moving from Port Adelaide to Richmond as a free agent at the end of 2012.
He played eight games this year but hasn’t featured at senior level since Round 11 as the Tigers turn their focus to youth.
“The body’s just not been able to handle as well as what I would have liked this year, and as a result my form’s dropped off a fair bit and it’s probably a good time to be able to walk away,” Chaplin told his teammates on Tuesday.
“Mentally I’m still there but unfortunately the body just can’t will itself to do it any more.”
Chaplin thanked his parents, wife Lisa, coaches and staff in his farewell speech, and made a candid admission to Mark Williams, who coached him at Port and then moved to the Tigers as a development coach.
“I used to hate you as a coach,” Chaplin said to laughter from his teammates.
“I’d always ask myself why I do nine things out of 10 well and you’d show the one in the meeting. It used to frustrate the hell out of me.
“Once you left I realised how good you were, and you’ve had the biggest influence on my career.”
Troy Chaplin celebrates a goal against his old club in 2014.
Richmond football manager Dan Richardson described Chaplin as an “outstanding contributor”.
“He has been a fine role model for the playing group with his determination, professionalism and leadership,” Richardson said.
“Troy has always maintained a high standard of performance, highlighted by his top-three finish in the Jack Dyer Medal in 2013.”
“We are delighted that he has agreed to remain at the club in a coaching capacity. Troy has a great football brain and there is little doubt he has a bright future as a coach.”
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-defender-troy-chaplin-retires-from-afl/news-story/004c6e77c47e6387746994346e9e4f66
