Melbourne's recent interim senior coach and long-time assistant Troy Chaplin has reaffirmed his commitment to Demons, turning down interest from rival clubs to remain part of the Demons' coaching panel.
The club confirmed via a statement on Tuesday Chaplin will return to his assistant coaching duties in 2026 following a brief stint at the end of the season as interim senior coach while the club searched for a replacement for the sacked Simon Goodwin.
Richmond and Collingwood had both pursued Chaplin's services to fill vacancies in their respective panels this off-season, but Chaplin has kept his word and will stay at Melbourne for 2026 - a year he is contracted to coach through.
The Tigers had banked on using the reunion card to add their former player back in the yellow and black as a backline coaching role under Adem Yze following assistant coach Steve Morris' departure.
Chaplin played for Richmond in the final four seasons of his lengthy AFL career, ultimately featuring in 75 games in the yellow sash after leaving Port Adelaide in 2012.
Chaplin also worked alongside Yze at the Demons for three years before Yze got the call-up to become a senior coach at Tigerland.
The Magpies recent interest came after assistant coach Scott Selwood decided to step away from football, offering Chaplin a position as the forwards coach.
General Manager of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson said the club was thrilled to retain Chaplin as an assistant coach.
“Troy is a highly respected member of our coaching group and plays a vital role for our players, both on and off the field,” Richardson said.
“We are excited that he has chosen to stay in the red and blue. It's another great example of the environment we've created at the club, and the desire our people have to build something special together.”
