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JOSH Chapman hopes some of his newfound success can rub off in his former club Myrtleford from next season.
The dual Saints best and fairest winner yesterday became a premiership player for Shepparton Swans in his debut season in the Goulburn Valley league.
Chapman and his older brother Luke played in the infamous 62-match losing streak for Myrtleford which ended in round one 2011.
In the off-season, Chapman transferred to Shepparton with his employment in the court system and joined premiership contenders, the Swans.
“As you know I’ve played at a battling club for a while,” he said.
“I didn’t want to go to another one.
“The Swans were a good fit for me. They are a running side and play the way I like to play.”
Chapman figured high in the Swans’ best and was in the mix for the best player on the ground medals that went to teammates, Tyson Sidebottom and Jamason Daniels.
His coach, Brett Warburton, was impressed with his showing.
“Josh has got a terrific footy brain and is very calm under pressure,” he said.
“We always talk about getting the footy in his hands.
“We are still a young side and to have him come in with some experience was great.
“He has done it tough over the years.
“He hadn’t played in a final let alone a finals series.”
One of those times Chapman had the ball in his hands was in the final seconds of the match.
It has been a big 12 months for Chapman and his wife Erin.
She gave birth to twin daughters during the season which was also a factor in him not travelling back to play for the Saints.
Chapman, 28, said he planned to return to Myrtleford before his career was over.