“I’m excited too,” Kyneton’s new senior football coach Paul Chapman responded quickly on The Front Bar Channel 7 footy entertainment show on Thursday night.
Comedian Mick Molloy had a message for the Tigers’ coach: “Can I say they’re very excited up there (Kyneton). Don’t stuff it up.”
Chapman, with 280 games, three premierships and a Norm Smith Medal behind him, was special guest on The Front Bar, being asked to provide insights about his AFL career on and off the field.
Looking very relaxed and fit, Chapman – now living in the Macedon Ranges – displayed a keen sense of humour on what it traditionally a TV footy show full of entertainment.
When he started at Geelong, there were differences of opinion on where he should play – in the midfield or up forward.
He had high praise for Cats’ coach Mark ‘Bomber’ Thompson, relating how he had been invited into the coach’s office after he had played about 112 games, and thought he was going well.
Reality struck home quickly.
“Chappy, you’re a little piss ant and you’re easily replaced,” he was told. Such super stars as Gary Ablett Jnr and Cameron Ling were in the Cats’ lineup at the time.
Chapman said he had enjoyed his time at Essendon in the twilight of his AFL career.
How did he take the news he was the substitute in his 250th game at Geelong? “Not well,” he replied.
The Front Bar crew even presented him with a large framed memento with a yellow sub. Jacket.
Chapman, 38, comes to Kyneton after being coach of Greenvale Jets, is expected to generate plenty of enthusiasm in Tiger ranks and the Bendigo Football League.
