It might have been a 391-day injury-enforced wait between Heath Chapman’s 26th and 27th games, but it took less than 30 minutes to be reminded of the brutal reality of the AFL.
The Dockers lost tall defender Josh Draper to a hamstring injury just before quarter time on Saturday night, leaving their back six undersized against the tall Western Bulldogs attack of Sam Darcy, Aaron Naughton and Rory Lobb, with midfielder Marcus Bontempelli also regularly dropping forward.
Chapman, Luke Ryan and Alex Pearce had to reset on the run, with help from attacking defenders James Aish (12 marks, two contested) and Jordan Clark (610 metres gained).
Bailey Banfield and Jaeger O’Meara, two players familiar with being thrown challenges, were forced to help out in the back half in bursts, before returning forward.
“We had some boys come back and play a role that they don’t usually play. We had Jaeger down there and Banners who did a huge role for us,” he said of Banfield, who kicked two final quarter goals to help seal the match.
“They had some really big boys down there so we just had to play footy where we really helped each other. It was difficult.”
Chapman was earmarked for a role on the wing before injuring his hamstring on the eve of the season.
He still may get there – his height and mobility seen as X-factors – but with Hayden Young now plying his trade in the midfield, Chapman for now will be required in the back half.
He spent just under 89 minutes against the Bulldogs on the field for a return of 14 disposals, six marks, two tackles, 12 pressure acts and 203 metres gained.
“It has obviously been a pretty long journey. I was really grateful to be out there and hopefully there are many more to come,” Chapman said.
Chapman enjoyed the AFL debuts of Patrick Voss and Cooper Simpson in the gritty win over the Bulldogs at Optus Stadium.
“It was great vibes all around. Having Vossy and Coops debut for the club was awesome. Pat Voss absolutely brings the energy and the boys love playing with him. Coops, you can see he is a really composed player. Makes good decisions. It will be exciting to watch as he develops as a player,” Chapman said.
Veteran Nat Fyfe’s return to his best form was pivotal in the turnaround from the previous week’s shock western derby loss.
Fyfe and vice-captain Caleb Serong both collected a game-high 37 possessions, firing out 25 and 27 handballs in a new-look Dockers’ approach. Serong had a club record 17 clearances.
“It gave us a big lift and it obviously helps when Fyfey is dominating in the middle of the ground,” Chapman said.
“As a backman, when Caleb is getting it done in the midfield and winning clearances, it makes our job a whole lot easier.”
Chapman said the win was a “good response” to the derby loss, with the focus on winning the contest. The Dockers edged the Dogs for contested ball, had 17 more clearances and 52-50 inside 50s and were able to make a better first of locking it inside their attacking zone.
“The ball was humming early. It was a really quick game, but we managed to take control,” Chapman said.
“It was awesome to be out there with the boys and we got a good W.”