Papley is Greene with envy
Sydney Swans pocket rocket Tom Papley has opened up on his breakout season, revealing he has tried to mould his game on cross-town rival Toby Greene.
Sydney Swans pocket rocket Tom Papley has opened up on his breakout season, revealing he has tried to mould his game on cross-town rival Toby Greene.
A hamstring injury has cost Greene the chance to line up for the Giants in Thursday night’s bizarre Battle of the Bridge on foreign soil in Perth, but his impact will still be felt out in the middle by the Swans star who has been watching the game-breaking small forward like a hawk.
Papley and Greene shared a dressing room together for Victoria in this year’s All-Star match and there is a clear common dominator in the feisty way they approach their football.
Both are prolific goalkickers but with Greene on the injured list, the door is open for Papley to assert his dominance as NSW’s premier match-winner.
“I played State of Origin and got to know him. I love the way he plays, I love watching him play. I watch a lot of him and admire the way he plays,” Papley told The Australian. “In his early years he gave it to the opposition and might have crossed the line a few times but that’s Tobe, and I think now he’s a lot more mature player and a leader out there for them. He’s one of the best players in the competition to watch and I love the way he plays. I take bits and pieces out of his game to put into my game.”
Like Greene, Papley thrives on getting under his opponents’ skin.
There is a certain amount of pressure you put on yourself when you talk the talk, but Papley welcomes the pressure of backing up his barbs on the scoreboard.
“I love blokes getting into each other. When you cross that line, it’s play on,” said Papley.
“Yeah, I like to stir up the opposition a bit. You can get energy off it, and change the momentum. I think it gets you going if someone is into me or if I’m into them.”
The moment the AFL’s player signing freeze ended, speculation instantly ramped up again that Carlton will once again be sweating on Papley come trade time at the end of the season.
Swans teammate and good friend Will Hayward says he’s still hopeful Papley will be convinced to change his mind and stay behind this season.
Either way, Papley has shown plenty about his character by the way he has gone to another level for the Swans in 2020, rather than mope after not getting his way at the trade table.
Papley says he has put contract thoughts completely out of his mind as he chases a Coleman Medal, but said he was determined to lift his presence in the Swans line-up this year.
“Yeah it was difficult coming back and obviously having to earn the respect,” said Papley.
“I took a head down bum up (approach) and earn the respect of the guys and work hard on my game and I just want to win and help my teammates to win.
“I’ve done that so far and I’ll keep doing that and whatever it’s I can do to help the team win I’ll keep doing that. ”
The Daily Telegraph
More Coverage
Building brands: How AFL stars are capitalising on fame
Whether it’s a podcast, cooking up a storm or slinging drinks, these AFL stars are making a splash off the field. It’s the new generation – and it’s only the beginning.
Track watch: Port gives glimpse into Lukosius plans
Port Adelaide recruit Jack Lukosius has long been adamant he is best used as a forward – but, as we learnt on Friday, Ken Hinkley might have other ideas. Get all the latest match sim intel.