A debut season restricted by injury hasn’t held back Heath Chapman’s development, according to the young defender.
An impressive albeit short 2021 season saw the 19-year-old play six games where he shone with his tenacity and intercept marking.
The no.14 pick’s final game of the season came in the round seven RAC Derby where a serious shoulder injury put an end to his year.
Since recovering, Chapman’s goal has been to come back even stronger in 2022.
“Going through a bit of adversity gave me a chance to focus on my body a little bit more, getting better in the gym and things like that,” Chapman told The West Australian.
“I learnt a lot about myself during that period and it allows me to attack this pre-season and training knowing myself a lot more and my capabilities.
“This off-season was pretty big. I did a lot of training with the boys and everyone at the club maximised that time away from the club.
“I’m still a long way off where I ideally want to be but I’m only in my second year. The plan is to put on a fair bit more size and bulk to match it with the bigger boys.”
Chapman said his memory of the injury won’t hold him back when he makes his return.
“I’d do the same again,” Chapman said.
“Hopefully it doesn’t occur but it’s part of the game.
“Any time I get the chance to play to my strengths I’ll do that. I won’t shy away from contests.”
Chapman isn’t expecting to simply return to Fremantle’s starting 22, with Freo’s backline depth set to make it difficult to earn selection.
“It is a challenge and it’s a great issue to have. It’s a spot we want to be in as a club. The tougher it is for spots, the better we’re playing on the weekend,” Chapman said.
“I think the young group we have can do some special things.
“It feels like a really good place to be and I think we can do some good things with the personnel we have.”
In a recent media conference, senior coach Justin Longmuir said Chapman would be a versatile option in the backline.
“I think Heath can play a variety of roles. At a pinch he could probably play as a third back, key position type player but he can also play as a high back,” Longmuir said.
“He’s returned in really good shape, he’s put on a lot of weight, especially his lower body strength over his time out. His competitiveness and drive off half back has really shone through. I’m really happy with the position he’s in.”
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