Swans lock in star forward Tom Papley through 2028

Jed Wells

Swans lock in star forward Tom Papley through 2028  image

It hasn’t even been a week since the Sydney Swans lost the 2022 AFL Grand Final, but they have already moved on to getting their affairs in order for next season, signing Tom Papley to a five-year contract extension. 

Papley, 26, was set to become a free agent in the upcoming season, but the Swans knew they had a good thing in him, and locked him in until at least 2028. 

Papley has had an illuminating career thus far for Sydney; after being taken with the 14th pick in the 2015 draft, he has become not just one of the best Swans players, but one of the best small forwards in the AFL. 

MORE: Sydney's 2022 review: The Hope, the Hurt and the Clanger

Having played in 141 games in the red and white, Papley has made a significant impact for Sydney - he has twice been the team’s lead goal scorer, in 2019 and 2020, and was selected as an All Australian in 2021, also making the 2022 extended squad. 

According to Papley, re-upping with the Swans was a no-brainer, especially considering the success of their most recent campaign. 

“The contract didn’t take that long to be honest; it all happened pretty quickly during the finals and got it signed off,” Papley said in a statement.

“One of the main reasons I signed on was because of this young group.

“They’re still learning, and I think only half played in their first final this year, so we can’t wait to get back to pre-season and start working hard again.

“We have a very exciting group coming through, I’m really looking forward to the next five years.”

Equally as happy to see Papley stay in Sydney is the Swans’ Executive General Manager of Football, Charlie Gardiner, who said that Papley is an integral part of the club on and off the field. 

“Few players are as invested and committed to seeing their football club succeed as Tom Papley,” Gardiner said. 

“We all know he is an exceptional player and has well and truly established himself as one of the best small forwards in the competition but equally impressive is his passion and care for the club.

“Tom has enormous respect amongst his teammates and our coaches, and we just love the energy he brings to the team, the way he approaches his football, and his drive to improve the team and the players around him.

“He continues to emerge as a leader of our club and we’re delighted that he will be a part of the Club’s long-term future.” 

Papley was dynamic for the Swans in 2022 as they pushed all their way to the Grand Final, averaging 15.3 disposals, 1.7 goals, 10.7 kicks, and 4.2 marks per game. 
 

Jed Wells

Jed Wells Photo

Jed is a writer and social media producer, who has a keen interest in the intersection of sports and popular culture, especially basketball.