The then 18-year-old left footer debuted in 2004 in Round 4 against Melbourne and played eight matches in 2005. He suffered a fractured left eye socket in round one of 2006,[3] but found consistency and collected 20 or more possessions four times that season.
Standing 196 cm tall, Troy was also a champion basketballer and was a member of the Victorian Under 18 basketball team.
He was nominated for the 2006 NAB Rising Star award in Round 16 of that season.
A restricted free agent at the completion of the 2012 season, Chaplin was made a four year offer by the Richmond Football Club, one which Port Adelaide chose not be match.[4]
In July 2016, Chaplin announced his immediate retirement from the AFL.[5]