'I won't be pursuing it': Why Demons caretaker is not chasing vacant senior coaching role
The Demons' hunt to find a new head coach is already underway, but caretaker Troy Chaplin will not be in the race to land the top job for the 2026 season.
Chaplin confirmed on Sunday that he will not be throwing his hat in the race for the senior coaching role, despite having ambitions to hold such positions in the future.
The 39-year-old stepped into the caretaker role last week following the sacking of Simon Goodwin, who declined an offer to coach the last three weeks of the season.
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Chaplin has been a member of the Demons coaching staff since 2016 and admitted he has been enjoying his first week in the senior position.
But it is not one he feels he can continue into next season.
"Anytime a caretaker coach takes over, very rarely do they become that senior coach," he told reporters on Sunday afternoon.
Troy Chaplin, Interim Senior Coach of the Demons looks on. Getty
"I just got on the front foot with the club and said 'Look, I won't be pursuing it'."
Chaplin said he has a great bond with both the playing group and staffers at the club, although did not feel the timing was right to take on the job full time.
Instead, he hopes to continue growing his knowledge and skills as a coach.
"For the next two weeks after this week, I still have an opportunity to grow and learn what it takes to be a senior coach," Chaplin continued.
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"It is a great opportunity for me to sit in this seat and be able to drive the program for the next three weeks to get a feel of what it actually takes, but it also just enables me to continue to round out my CV.
"I've got aspirations to be a senior coach one day... what I do know is that I love this club and I'm looking forward to working here for hopefully a long period of time.
Demons interim coach Troy Chaplin with his players. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"There will be a time in the future where I will have to look at what that looks like and try something different, but for the time being, I'm really enjoying my time here."
The former Port Adelaide and Richmond defender expressed his gratitude to those around the league who have reached out to offer their support for his new role.
He went on to reveal the key differences he has recognised since taking over the reins.
"What I do know is there are a lot more meetings and my phone goes off a lot more," he laughed.
"I've really enjoyed this week, it has been fantastic."
