Sydney forward Tom Papley to request trade to Carlton

Carlton will have to stump up a high price to land its No. 1 small forward target Tom Papley with the Sydney star poised to ask for a move to the Blues.

Tom Papley is set to request a trade to Carlton. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

Carlton is set to win the bidding war for Tom Papley.

The Blues have been in a head-to-head battle with North Melbourne for Tom Papley’s signature, but are prepared to stump up more coin.

Both clubs have met with the Sydney goalsneak in a bid to lure him down to Melbourne, but Papley, 23, is this week likely to ask for a trade to Carlton.

North Melbourne has scope to increase its offer, but won’t, believing he has long been destined to join the Blues.

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Contrary to reports, the Kangaroos’ offer is in the vicinity of $500,000-$600,000.

Papley was a livewire in John Longmire’s forward line this season, kicking 37.28, but has been unsettled at times in the Harbour City and is keen to move south.

Tom Papley is set to request a trade to Carlton. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

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Carlton still has to get the Papley deal done with Sydney, a war chest of pick 9, 40 and 45 at their disposal.

If an agreement can’t be reached, the 23-year-old will stay a Swan until at least the end of 2021.

Papley does have a contract trigger that would tie him to the Swans for a further two seasons (2023), but the Herald Sun has been told it is only relevant if he chooses to activate it.

Papley was a livewire in John Longmire’s forward line this season, kicking 37.28, but has been unsettled at times in the Harbour City and has decided to move south.