Defender Troy Chaplin has expressed empathy for Richmond supporters, who are lamenting the Tigers’ slow start to the season, after they made the finals for the second successive year in 2014 and had their sights set on taking another key step forward in 2015.

“I’ve only been here a few years, but unfortunately it’s been a common theme for a long period of time,” Chaplin said. 

“To their credit they continue to jump on board and back us up, and we really do appreciate it. 

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“We need to repay them . . . and at the moment we’re not doing that. 

“The last couple of years we’ve made finals, but we didn’t win a final, which is disappointing.

 “So, to our supporters, we just ask that you continue to support the footy club.  You’ve been doing it for a long period of time and you’re the reason that this club’s been able to get back up off its knees . . .

“I know that the supporters are disappointed the way we’re playing, and the players are as well.  That’s the most frustrating thing, because I know how good this group can be, and the ability we’ve got inside these four walls, but at the moment we’re not performing anywhere near where we need to be.”