Sydney Swans star Tom Papley, GWS manager Jason McCartney clash

Renowned agitator Tom Papley and the GWS footy manager clashed at the SCG in an unusual moment the AFL will review.

Swans forward Tom Papley is an established footy agitator, the type of player Sydney fans love and opposition fans love to hate.

While he usually does his best to get under the skin of the opposition, it doesn’t usually extend to officials from the other team.

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Yet that’s what happened on Saturday during the Swans’ stirring 13.10 (88) to 12.10 (82) comeback win over the Giants at the SCG.

Sydney trailed for almost the entire match before Papley played a key role in a stunning final quarter as the Swans earned a home preliminary final and a week off.

A halftime incident involving Papley and GWS footy manager Jason McCartney, however, will be looked at by the AFL.

Tom Papley and Jason McCartney cross paths.

Papley didn't seem to appreciate the contact.

The Swans and Giants were being separated as the teams headed for the rooms at the main break, with McCartney out there supporting his team, an unusual move for a footy official.

He soon crossed paths with Papley and neither took a backward step, with the pair briefly clashing before Papley shot a glance back at the 50-year-old.

McCartney played 182 games with the Pies, Crows and Kangaroos before retiring in 2003 and also famously survived the horrendous 2002 Bali bombings.

But many felt McCartney was in the wrong place at the wrong time during the Papley incident.

“Tom Papley has been in everything and look as they come off the ground, head of footy Jason McCartney is out there and (has) a little bit of interaction with Tom Papley and a couple of words exchanged,” Luke Darcy said on the Channel 7 coverage.

“I’m not sure Jason probably should be out there,” Matthew Richardson replied.

Papley is a renowned agitator. (Photo by Phil Hillyard)

“He should be just getting down to the rooms and letting the players sort themselves out, that would be my take.”

Ex-Swan Jude Bolton agreed, adding: “I don’t think he should be in there. Papley has been looking to chest everyone on the field.”

Fox Footy reporter David Zita later discussed the moment.

“This little incident here near the end, Tom Papley and Giants footy boss Jason McCartney making contact,” he said.

“Now again, it is brief. It is glancing. Not a great look and I’ll wait to see if there’s any fallout from that.

“Something worth at least flagging.”

There was a mixed reaction on social media, although many felt the Giants official shouldn’t have been among the pack of players.

McCartney has moved into management since ending his playing career. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“Really shouldn’t have been that close to the players Jason, you’re not playing,” was one comment on Facebook.

“Tom Papley deliberately walked into Jason,” suggested another fan.

“Can’t stand Papley but Jason should not be in there, he will get a please explain,” offered a third.

On X, many fans felt McCartney could be in trouble for his action.

One wrote: “What is an administrator doing there??”

Another stated: “What’s the football manager doing on the field? Should be suspended.”

One fan wrote simply: “Big fine for Jason.”

Others were keen to offer their support for McCartney, and disdain for Papley, over the clash.

“Papley is just like a chihuahua, all bark no game,” came one comment.

“McCartney didn’t even move. Solid man,” wrote another.

Papley had the last laugh on the day, returning from injury to end the day with 16 disposals, four marks, four clearances and two goals for the Swans.

McCartney may well stay off the field when the Giants host the winner of Saturday’s late match between Carlton and the Lions in a semi-final next week.

Originally published as Sydney Swans star Tom Papley, GWS manager Jason McCartney clash