Tom Papley backs Nick Blakey to stand up for Swans in Lance Franklin’s absence
Nick Blakey’s ‘X-factor’ is going to be huge for the Swans, insists Tom Papley, as John Longmire’s men prepare for a run of games without the hugely influential Lance Franklin.
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Nick Blakey answered the rallying call at three-quarter time from John Longmire against Hawthorn last Friday and the teenager will have to step up again for Sydney as the Swans prepare for a run of games without Lance Franklin.
The star forward’s hamstring injury means the red and whites must look to other avenues for goals and that little bit of magic inside 50 over the next month.
The Swans needed someone to step up in the final quarter against the Hawks after losing Franklin for the final term — Tom Papley revealing Longmire had issued a challenge to his side — and Blakey responded.
“As a young player to do that, it’s really good to see,” Papley said. “Imagine in five years (time).
“He’s just an impact player, he’s X-factor. He just stands up in big moments. When he gets the ball he’ll hit the target. For a 19-year-old to do that it’s something special.
“Horse (Longmire) spoke about it at three-quarter time, we really need to stand up.
“We found a way. They’re a good side the Hawks. They’ve probably had the wood over us this last few times. Good to get one over them.”
Small forward Papley, joint leading scorer alongside Franklin with 23 goals, is confident the majors will continue to flow in Buddy’s absence.
Longmire hailed the character of the numerous youngsters in his team after the Hawthorn game, a sentiment Papley agreed with.
“I think we had the second youngest side in the comp this week,” he said.
“We’ve showed some resilience. For a young team to do that is a really good sign.
“It’s obviously frustrating for Bud and us (to be injured). But when you have the likes of Nick Blakey, Tommy McCartin can come straight back and fill that role.
“We don’t just have one avenue to goal now, we have six. It’s like we’re a new team from the first five or six games to now.”
Much was expected of Blakey when he arrived at the Swans in the summer, via the 2018 draft.
He has played in all but one of the 14 rounds to date, has 11 goals for the campaign and took a season-high seven marks against the Hawks.
Papley says the potential for further growth is limitless.
The Swans are now five and eight, two wins short of the eight.
Are the finals still achievable?
“Absolutely,” insists Papley.
“But our goal is next week against the Gold Coast. We’ll take it week by week. Of course we’re aiming for finals, always.”
McCartin had been due to play for the Swans’ NEAFL team in Saturday’s win over the Canberra Demons in the nation’s capital but was a late withdrawal.
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