For Chapman it has never been an argument of his scoring ability but
his body’s ability to stay on the park. At the age of 32, Chappy is still one of
best scoring forwards in the fantasy land, but after managing a measly six home
and away matches in 2013, there are severe questions marks over the former Cats
durability.
Chapman enjoyed one of his best pre-seasons last summer and it
translated into his football, beginning the season in tip top shape and his
scores reflected it. The 2009 Norm Smith medallist had a stellar opening month
of 2013, averaging 22.8 possessions, 4.5 inside 50’s, 4.3 tackles along with
five goals and most importantly 100 SC points.
Yet once again his dreaded hamstrings struck him down, Chappy endured a
long stint on the sidelines, returning in round 22 against the Swans. He played
four matches for the remainder of season 2013, starting as the substitute in two
of them. In his two full matches he scored 113 and 136, the latter coming in a
best on ground performance in the elimination final against Port Adelaide, which
would prove to be his last match for the Cats. While in the two sub affected
matches, he came on and dominated with scores of 61 and 57 from 36 and 44
percent game time respectively.
But of course the huge question mark that has always surrounded Chapman
is his fitness, I don’t see his move to the Bombers affecting his scores in a
negative way, he will still be the same hard-nosed forward who rotates through
the middle capable of averaging three figures. Chappy is at a reasonable price
considering his capabilities, but if you do have the courage and belief to
select him, I think you have to consign to the fact that you will be burning a
trade for him at some point throughout the year and when selecting a premium
that is not what we want.
As a Cats supporter, seeing him in the red and black, as Denis Pagan
once said “it’s like dancing with your sister” – it’s just not right. For anyone
looking at him for their forward line, you too must think how many times will we
see him in the red and black in 2014?
He will certainly be a unique choice, track his pre-season and assess
from there but he is an extremely risky pick for mine.