 Competition for the sole striking berth in manager Paul Cook's preferred 4–2–3–1 formation was made all the more intense at the start of the 2016/17 season, following the signings of Michael Smith, who made his loan move permanent, as well as Curtis Main from Doncaster Rovers and experienced forward Noel Hunt.Chaplin subsequently found himself on the bench in the early weeks of the season, before the inconsistent form of Smith and Main, coupled with Hunt's injury problems, saw Chaplin promoted to the starting lineup.He grasped the opportunity, scoring league goals against Wycombe, Barnet, Blackpool, Notts County and Cambridge before the end of October – a run of form which would see him established as Portsmouth's first-choice striker.