AFL 2022: Sydney Swans forward Tom Papley signs massive contract extension a year before becoming a free agent
Sydney matchwinner Tom Papley is sticking around at the Swans for the long term after agreeing to a new deal that removes him from next year’s free agency list.
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Sydney has scored a huge off-season win, securing All-Australian forward Tom Papley on a five-year contract extension before he hits free agency.
Papley, who is locked in until at least the end of 2028, was set to be one of the AFL’s top free agents next season but is now almost certainly a Swan for life.
The 26-year-old’s commitment follows Sydney re-signing Lance Franklin despite rival interest, as well as club champion Callum Mills and fellow star Isaac Heeney inking long-term deals.
It’s a significant development after Papley tried to secure a move to Carlton for family reasons in 2019, during the same trade period the Swans made an unsuccessful play for Joe Daniher.
He was widely believed at the time to be out of contract the following year but a trigger clause in his deal meant he was under contract until the end of 2023.
The Swans refused to trade the feisty matchwinner, a decision that looks a masterstroke, given this extension and the fact he has played his best football since.
“We have a very exciting group coming through. I’m really looking forward to the next five years,” Papley said.
“The contract didn’t take that long, to be honest. It all happened pretty quickly during the finals and (I) got it signed off.
“One of the main reasons I signed on was because of this young group.
“They’re still learning, and I think only half played in their first final this year, so we can’t wait to get back to pre-season and start working hard again.”
Papley has transformed into a star after being a mature-age rookie selection in 2015, kicking 221 goals in 141 games and becoming an integral part of Sydney’s success.
He was the Swans’ leading goalkicker in 2019 and 2020.
Papley ranked fifth in the AFL for goal assists per game as he followed last year’s All-Australian selection by making the squad of 40 this time around despite playing only 16 home and away season matches.
Sydney football boss Charlie Gardiner said Papley’s decision to sign a long-term deal was exciting for the club.
“Few players are as invested and committed to seeing their football club succeed as Tom Papley,” Gardiner said.
“We all know he is an exceptional player and has well and truly established himself as one of the best small forwards in the competition, but equally impressive is his passion and care for the club.
“Tom has enormous respect among his teammates and our coaches, and we love the energy he brings to the team, the way he approaches his football and his drive to improve the team and the players around him.
“He continues to emerge as a leader of our club and we’re delighted that he will be a part of the long-term future.”
Originally published as AFL 2022: Sydney Swans forward Tom Papley signs massive contract extension a year before becoming a free agent
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