Chad Warner on quest for consistency as Swans eye reboot

A gun Swan has shared his struggle of dealing with high expectations as he tries to lead Sydney’s midfield back to success.

Chad Warner says managing high expectations of him has been difficult. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Chad Warner says the Swans are on the verge of returning to their best football as he tries to meet the lofty expectations imposed on him after a breakout season.

The 21-year old’s form, much like his side, has been patchy this season, but Warner says the signs are good as the Swans look to reboot their season with a win over the Dockers at the SCG on Saturday.

Warner has been held to less than 20 disposals three times this season, twice in the heavy losses to Melbourne and Geelong, with the high expectations placed on him after his superb 2022 proving difficult to manage.

“The expectations do get a bit high and last year I wouldn’t have worried about it as much, but it’s something I love and something I embrace is the challenge, so hopefully I can keep going from strength to strength,” he said.

Chad Warner has felt the pressure to elevate his game to a higher level, but says he is closing in on a recipe for consistent success. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“You try and embrace it but obviously hearing it all the time isn’t great for you, and I’ve just got to get back to playing consistent footy at the moment.

“I’ve had a couple of good patches here and there, but along with the team I need to stay consistent and I think I’m getting there at the moment.”

Warner had dinner with concussed defender Tom McCartin on Thursday night and said his teammate was “going well” despite being ruled out of the Fremantle clash, while he was excited to play with Tom Hickey for the first time this season after the ruck journeyman overcame a calf strain.

“He’s been raring to go – each week he’s been going up to Horse (coach John Longmire) and telling him what he can do,” Warner said.

“I can’t wait to see his long hair going at the weekend again.”

Livewire forward Tom Papley will play his 150th game against Fremantle, second only behind Melbourne star Clayton Oliver to reach the milestone from his draft year. Picture: Mark Kolbe / Getty Images

Saturday will mark Tom Papley’s 150th game, with the small forward just the second player from the draft class of 2015 to reach the milestone despite being passed over until pick 14 of the rookie draft.

“I remember calling Paps when we drafted him as a rookie – he was a 19-year-old who was working as a plumber on a building site,” Longmire said.

“He was rapt obviously with his grandfather (Max Papley’s) connection, which is significant.

“To have him around the footy club and have him as a 150-gamer and a life member of the footy club is pretty significant.”

Longmire said he was always happy to see a trademark wild celebration from his passionate star.

“I think the GPS units get a bit of a workout when he gets so much high speed running … if he’s kicked a few goals, his GPS numbers go through the roof, so we’re probably not getting an accurate response on his GPS data,” he said.

“He enjoys playing footy, and when you see a smile on his face it’s good for everyone.”