Behind the incredible celebrations of Swans goalkicker Tom Papley

Tom Papley lit up the SCG with another eye-catching display against the Cats. He speaks to LACHLAN McKIRDY about what goes through his mind when he takes off in celebration.

Tom Papley helped ignited the Swans’ brilliant comeback to extend their lead on top of the AFL ladder. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Two things are certain when Tom Papley kicks a goal at the SCG.

First, he’ll bring the crowd to their feet, just as he did on four separate occasions in the Swans’ comeback 30-point victory over Geelong on Sunday.

But he’s also guaranteed to produce a celebration that will live long in the memory, and against the Cats, his teammates had no chance of catching him.

“His high speed running certainly lifts a cog,” John Longmire said.

“(He’s faster in the celebration), that’s what the eyes tell you. It’s hard to break it down on the GPS.”

“I flushed that first one and I was like, I may as well go for it again,” Papley added. “Probably should have went for the third one as well (in the second quarter).

“You’ve just got to enjoy it while you can and that’s what I’ll keep doing.

“It’s a bit of carry on. I don’t even know what comes through my mind. I just enjoy playing footy, enjoy those moments and we gotta do it while we can.”

Papley got his sprinting boots out as he finished with four goals against the Cats. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Papley played a crucial role as the Swans overcame the 35-point headstart they gave Geelong to extend their lead on top of the AFL ladder.

The diminutive forward kicked the goal to put the hosts back in front during the second term, his first of four majors for the day.

It’s just the fourth time this season that Papley has kicked multiple goals in a game this season, but he continues to be the experienced leader in a team that boasts the best attack in the competition.

“He’s been solid Paps,” Longmire said.

“I had a chat with him during the week … and he’s done some real team stuff (this year). If you look at some of the team-orientated acts he’s done in the first half of this year, he’s been really strong.

“If they share it around, it eventually comes your way, especially if you’re focused on that. And that’s what he’s been really good at.

“He’s led that forward line really well. They’re pretty young and he’s done a good job at being able to focus on the team. And he was rewarded with some goals (against Geelong), but that tends to be how things work.”

It has been a team effort from the Swans forward of the ball, with six players having already kicked 19 or more goals this season. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Papley has built a reputation as being the Swans’ primary source of energy throughout the years. While his celebrations have become the stuff of legend, his effort plays rarely go unnoticed.

But the mantle is slowly passing in 2024. While he isn’t afraid to be the one to give his teammates a revv-up, the record crowds at the SCG are now acting as Sydney’s 23rd man.

The attendance of 44,714 against Geelong took their season home average to 39,952. That’s almost 4,000 more per game than their record-high in 1997.

And in his ninth year at the Swans, Papley has never felt their influence more than he has this season.

“That second quarter, they just got us pumping,” Papley said.

“They gave us so much energy. In that second quarter they just kept going and going, and they really got us over the line.”

Finding different ways to win is going to be key for the Swans to continue their incredible start to the year.

Another sold out crowd helped lift the Swans to their come-from-behind victory over Geelong. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Sunday’s game was another example of the hole they can find themselves in if they start slowly. But if their response was anything to go by, they’re not lacking the belief that they can turn any margin around.

They’re undefeated at home, have only lost one match all year and essentially have a four-game gap on the rest of the competition thanks to their percentage and game in hand.

Every other team is determined to stop their march to the flag, but it’s a challenge the Swans are set to relish.

“Geelong were really good in that first half and it took us a bit to get going,” Papley said.

“It’s happened a bit lately. Teams are coming out to start really well against us. That’s what happens when you’re on top of the ladder, you’re the hunted and everyone wants to start well.

“Especially what (Geelong) have done to us in the past … it was probably one of the better wins. The same with Carlton, to come back against them both, it’s big.

“We’re top of the ladder and we want to make that bigger. We want everyone striving to beat us. We’re going really well in a lot of areas but we can still keep better and keep going.”

Originally published as Behind the incredible celebrations of Swans goalkicker Tom Papley