By Tyler Lewis
Bunyip’s Tom Papley has signed a monster extension with Sydney, seeing him at the Swans until the end of 2028.
If he wasn’t to sign, the livewire forward would have entered next season as a free agent, but by putting pen to paper, the deal almost ensures Papley a Swan for life.
“We have a very exciting group coming through, I’m really looking forward to the next five years,” Papley said in a Sydney statement.
“The contract didn’t take that long to be honest; it all happened pretty quickly during the finals and 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.”
Sydney Swans Executive General Manager – Football, Charlie Gardiner, said Papley’s contract extension is an exciting announcement for the club.
“We are thrilled that Tom has committed his future to Sydney,” Gardiner said.
“Few players are as invested and committed to seeing their football club succeed as Tom Papley. 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 amongst his teammates and our coaches, and we just 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 Club’s long term future.”
Papley has played 141 games for the Swans to date.
