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Chappy: Believe it or Not
Chappy is a raw and honest account of a glittering 16-year AFL career that scaled rare heights but included personal trauma as Paul Chapman discovered exactly who he was.
From the angry young man who arrived at Geelong following the tragic accidental death of his brother Glenn in 1998, to the horrors of the Bali massacre four years later, Chapman tells his story with brutal honesty which is the only way he knows.
He didn't want this book to be a reflection of the 280 games he played with Geelong and Essendon, claiming he had read too many of those over the journey. Instead he chose to share the reasons behind Geelong's extraordinary run of success between 2007 and 2011, the coaching philosophies of Mark Thompson and Chris Scott and the personalities of the men he played with.
Paul Chapman had an outstanding junior career before starting as a teen in the TAC Cup. He was drafted by Geelong in 1999, and played three premierships. He was named best and fairest in 2006, won the Norm Smith medal for best on ground in the 2009 AFL Grand Final and was named as an All-Australian 2009-2010. He played his last two seasons for Essendon, ending his career in 2015.
From the angry young man who arrived at Geelong following the tragic accidental death of his brother Glenn in 1998, to the horrors of the Bali massacre four years later, Chapman tells his story with brutal honesty which is the only way he knows.
He didn't want this book to be a reflection of the 280 games he played with Geelong and Essendon, claiming he had read too many of those over the journey. Instead he chose to share the reasons behind Geelong's extraordinary run of success between 2007 and 2011, the coaching philosophies of Mark Thompson and Chris Scott and the personalities of the men he played with.
Paul Chapman had an outstanding junior career before starting as a teen in the TAC Cup. He was drafted by Geelong in 1999, and played three premierships. He was named best and fairest in 2006, won the Norm Smith medal for best on ground in the 2009 AFL Grand Final and was named as an All-Australian 2009-2010. He played his last two seasons for Essendon, ending his career in 2015.
- GenresNonfiction
239 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 12, 2016
Startlingly honest in some places, this book is a good addition to the AFL pantheon despite its choppy structure.
May 20, 2025
Honest, and refreshingly lacking in fluff.
October 12, 2015
This is a brutally honest account of one of the Champions to come out of the Geelong Football Club. What I really like about this book is not only his honesty, but that it allows honesty from other people who know Paul as well. Each chapter ends with a personal look at him from someone close to him including his mum, coach, teammates and opposition players.
It is quite touching to read about what he went through when his brother died and how he dealt with it. Also, what he went through when Geelong let him go and he found his way at Essendon. Reading what he has to say about the drugs saga and how it has affected the Essendon players helps me to see them through a new light and to see what they achieved this year gives me a sense of respect for these young men.
I found it really interesting to read what Chappy had to say about his teammates, oppposition players and umpires. You can't help but feel that you are getting an inside look into the world of an AFL player and those who surround him and have some kind of effect on him as a person and a player.
In one chapter, Chappy had me laughing (over the Rahilly incident) and then 3 pages later I was in tears over his experience and the close call of the Bali bombings. The way that the Geelong boys stuck together and helped out as best they can is what I believe is the evidence of a true team!
As I have always believed, Chappy is a champion. A true team player. Reading about his early days at Geelong show just how far this gentleman has come. As a Geelong supporter and as a reader, I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Please note: I have read an advanced reading copy of this book. It will be out shortly.
It is quite touching to read about what he went through when his brother died and how he dealt with it. Also, what he went through when Geelong let him go and he found his way at Essendon. Reading what he has to say about the drugs saga and how it has affected the Essendon players helps me to see them through a new light and to see what they achieved this year gives me a sense of respect for these young men.
I found it really interesting to read what Chappy had to say about his teammates, oppposition players and umpires. You can't help but feel that you are getting an inside look into the world of an AFL player and those who surround him and have some kind of effect on him as a person and a player.
In one chapter, Chappy had me laughing (over the Rahilly incident) and then 3 pages later I was in tears over his experience and the close call of the Bali bombings. The way that the Geelong boys stuck together and helped out as best they can is what I believe is the evidence of a true team!
As I have always believed, Chappy is a champion. A true team player. Reading about his early days at Geelong show just how far this gentleman has come. As a Geelong supporter and as a reader, I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Please note: I have read an advanced reading copy of this book. It will be out shortly.
June 24, 2016
As a footballer, though I don't go for Geelong, Chappy has always been a favorite, so I was excited when my team Essendon recruited him after being dumped by the Cats at the end of 2013. In saying that, like any heart and soul, loyal footballer, I know he would have loved to stay a one club player and given his history should have been given that chance by Geelong.
Always tough and uncompromising on the field his book was a good read highlighting his relationships with his coaches and some interesting (but not surprising) revelations about fellow teammates including Brendan Goddard and Stevie J.
Chappy, whilst not introverted, paints himself as a standoffish type of person who wasn't quick to build friendships or get close to anyone despite his obvious popularity in the football community.
He'll be remembered as one of the classier small forwards of a dominant Geelong era and respected by both Cats and AFL fans Australia wide.
Always tough and uncompromising on the field his book was a good read highlighting his relationships with his coaches and some interesting (but not surprising) revelations about fellow teammates including Brendan Goddard and Stevie J.
Chappy, whilst not introverted, paints himself as a standoffish type of person who wasn't quick to build friendships or get close to anyone despite his obvious popularity in the football community.
He'll be remembered as one of the classier small forwards of a dominant Geelong era and respected by both Cats and AFL fans Australia wide.
July 24, 2017
This is a great auto biography written by one of the stars of the game- Paul Chapman (Chappy)
Being an AFL lover I really liked how Chappy wrote in real detail explaining what it was like being a young AFL player and how he coped with his tough times. I sill wonder why he made a move to Essendon why didn't he just stay at the Cats when they were a better side at the time. I would recommend this book to 'AFL addicts' like me and people who love Chappy.
Being an AFL lover I really liked how Chappy wrote in real detail explaining what it was like being a young AFL player and how he coped with his tough times. I sill wonder why he made a move to Essendon why didn't he just stay at the Cats when they were a better side at the time. I would recommend this book to 'AFL addicts' like me and people who love Chappy.
March 29, 2020
This is the first sports book I have ever read. I have tended to avoid this type of book as even though I am a loyal supporter of GFC I don't know a great deal about the finer points of the game. The thought of reading a commentary about each game in any sportsmen's life would put me to sleep in minutes. To my surprise I found this book easy to read. I like the way that the chapters were structured. The focus was on his childhood, early years, the various grand finals, Essendon, Bali and some discussion of his team mates, other players, umpires, the rules etc. I also liked the short comments at the end of each chapter by friends, colleagues and others. In particular I loved the section written Mr Robert Doyle. He being a loyal supporter like myself really summed up a supporters view of the club and Chappy. However as the book progressed I found it way less interesting and somewhat padded out.
His relationships with Steve J (another of my favourites) and Brendon Goddard very surprising. Unlike other reviewers I didn't find his comments on the Essendon drug saga at all eliminating. I can only assume he was limited in what he could say. I also found many topics very very repetitive. There were also many well known small scandals that were simply not covered. For example one involving Bomber Thompson in 2006 and only very limited discussion of the Ablett family.
His relationships with Steve J (another of my favourites) and Brendon Goddard very surprising. Unlike other reviewers I didn't find his comments on the Essendon drug saga at all eliminating. I can only assume he was limited in what he could say. I also found many topics very very repetitive. There were also many well known small scandals that were simply not covered. For example one involving Bomber Thompson in 2006 and only very limited discussion of the Ablett family.
May 16, 2023
Paul Chapman, was a champion of the Geelong football club for 14 years, enjoying two premierships as a player. The book describes Paul’s life as a footballer. It’s ups and it’s Downs and the people, players and coaches that he worked with during that time.
The book talked about Paul’s relationships with the players and the club and his thoughts on the future of the game.
Is a great book for any aspiring footballer, football fan, or Geelong supporter. Definitely worth a read.
The book talked about Paul’s relationships with the players and the club and his thoughts on the future of the game.
Is a great book for any aspiring footballer, football fan, or Geelong supporter. Definitely worth a read.
June 8, 2020
Great insight into the man behind the footy jumper
December 30, 2015
Not the usual footballers biography. The style is fairly raw but definitely comes from the heart and it is an honest opinion based on his years playing football. In includes his time at Essendon and his views on the impact that the drug scandal has had on both the once strong club and its young players.
November 15, 2015
As a passionate Geelong supporter, I loved the light that Chappy shed on his time with the Cats. In this book he perfectly balanced criticism with admiration, and candidness with confidentiality. A true great of the AFL.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews