GEELONG CHAMPIONS CHAPMAN, PODSIADLY AND HUNT BOW OUT
Ben Jensen 3 October 2013

CATS PAUL CHAPMAN, James Podsiadly and Josh Hunt have played their last games for the Geelong Football Club. Hunt was let go a week or so back but today it was confirmed that Chapman and Podsiadly were going. Chapman was reportedly offered a one year deal on a 'ten game' basis, that is he would have to spend time in the VFL. He will seek offers from other clubs to play on in 2014 according to manager Liam Pickering.

Coach Chris Scott said there's no hard feelings, Chapman will be forever remembered at the club by fans and coaching staff alike. "Chappy will go down as a legend of this club. He has decided that he would like to extend his career and we wish him well. No doubt he will bring his passion whenever he plays against us, as he should. Regardless of where he goes from he, he will always be remembered as a Geelong icon. It has been a privilege to coach Chappy and I look forward to catching up with him in the years to come," he said. Chapman played 251 games and kicked 336 goals, was a two time All Australian, triple Premiership player and Carji Greeves medallist in 2006; and of course Norm Smith medallist in the 2009 Premiership win over St Kilda. Chapman turn 32 in November.

Hunt played in the 2007 and 2011 flags, had one of the best boots going around in the game. Like Chapman Hunt is 31 and began his career the year after Chapman in 2001. After 198 games Hunt is looking for opportunities elsewhere. Podsiadly's story is an amazing one, making his AFL debut at the age of 28, having originally been recruited to the club to play in the VFL side and work as a fitness coach. 32 year old Pods played 83 games after debuting in 2010, the highlight being the 2011 Premiership. In that match of course Pods was carried off early on with a match-ending shoulder injury but it didn't stop him celebrating. Tonight after eighteen rounds Pods say in fifth spot on the best and fairest, just 19 off then leader Corey Enright, so he was obviously appreciated by the match committee.

Each could have carried on but the club has elected to make a few tough decisions and bringing on the youth that this season made yet another VFL grand final and look for opportunities in the senior side; saying good-bye is not easy but each bows out with a premiership memory or two (or three) and mates for life.