PAUL Chapman's illustrious career is set to continue next year, with the Essendon veteran determined to play on if the club wants him to.
On Saturday, Fairfax Media reported the ex-Cat had hit a trigger point in his Essendon deal that guaranteed him a contract extension for next year.
The 2009 Norm Smith medallist notched his 15th game in black and red on Friday night as the Bombers went down to the Swans by 22 points.
Chapman, 33 in November, has enjoyed a productive first year for the Bombers, averaging almost 20 disposals per game and kicking 16 goals.
The forward said he was keen to play on but needed to discuss his future with banned coach James Hird, who is set to resume coaching duties in 2015.
"Obviously I want to play on, the body and the mind feel really good," Chapman told Channel Seven's Saturday Night Footy.
"I'd really like to talk to 'Hirdy' and see where Hirdy sees me fitting into next year. I'll definitely play unless Hirdy comes and says he doesn't see a spot there for me or I won't be there to help the side."
Chapman said he wasn't sure when he'd be able to speak to Hird, whose 12-month suspension ends on August 25.
Hird will not have any active coaching duties this year and will instead use the time to prepare for his return as the senior coach in 2015.
"I'm not really sure (when I'll speak to Hird) - it probably won't be until the end of the season but we'll sit down and have a beer and a bit of a chat and I'd like to pick his brain and see what he's thinking," Chapman said.
The Bombers sit seventh on the ladder and take on Richmond at the MCG next Friday night.
