Paul Chapman will hope to add his valuable experience to a young Essendon side when they step out for the first NAB Challenge game against St.Kilda this Saturday.
The 33-year-old, is thrilled to be captain for the first time in his 271 game career.
“I haven’t captained a side before,” said Chapman
“270 odd games and first time captain. I’m really honoured and I’m looking forward to it.”
Chapman was impressed with the positive mood around the club with many of the young players looking forward to the opportunity to step-up and play after what has been an extremely demanding pre-season.
“It’s a good opportunity for the young guys,”
“This will see where they’re really at and they’ll learn what AFL footy is all about and where they need to get to both in training and as players.”
Chapman also praised the attitudes of the NAB Challenge recruits who have come in specifically for the series.
The recruits, comprised of Clint Jones, Jared Petrenko, Mitch Brown, Sam Michael, James Magner and Mitch Clisby, have been working hard over the last two weeks learning the ins and outs of the Essendon game plan.
View all the latest NAB Challenge squad news here.
“They’re really good guys and they’ve fit in really well,”
“They’ve all played AFL footy before. Generally most systems are the same and they won’t be too far behind what we’re trying to do,”
“They know a little about what we want to do and how we want to play. They’ll be well and truly schooled up about what we want to do on the weekend and how we expect them to play.”
With many of the recruits fighting for a second chance at an AFL career, Chapman is confident that a team-first mantra will make everyone look better in the long-run.
“We want to win every game. We’ve got to play the right way and that’s the first thing and that’s all we’re really worried about.”
“Together we all look better. If we go out and try and do our own things it’s all going to fall apart,"
“If we can just get everyone playing the way we’ve been training, everyone will stand out and be better for it.”
