Chaplin became the fourth Port Adelaide player to gain a nomination this season - after Danyle Pearce, Brad Symes and Jacob Surjan. The key defender remained in the side from round nine and quickly became an important member of Port Adelaide's back half. Chaplin received his nomination after keeping St Kilda superstar Nick Riewoldt to two goals, while in round 15 against Geelong he won 23 disposals - his best individual effort this season. He made his AFL debut in 2004, entering this season with nine matches to his name.