MELBOURNE’S Troy Chaplin has been recognised by the AFL Coaches Association, named as the 2022 Assistant Coach of the Year.

Heading up the Demons’ backline, Chaplin has been integral in steering Melbourne’s defenders in season 2022, where they conceded the least number of points within the league throughout the home and away season.

The recognition comes after nearly 19 years in the football industry, across both his playing and coaching career.  The former key defender played 140 AFL matches for Port Adelaide and a further 75 for Richmond.  

His love of coaching was kickstarted when he took on roles at the Sturt Blues and the Oakleigh Chargers and towards the back end of his playing career, assisted the coaching panel at Richmond.

This coaching experience led to a role at Melbourne, joining the club’s coaching panel in 2016. He began in an offensive role before using his expertise as a key defender to transition to the Defensive Coach.

Since then, his impact at the club has been evident in the club’s defensive strengths. In 2021, Chaplin finished runner up in the same award.