Sydney forward Tom Papley admits he was prepared for possibility of not moving to Carlton despite asking for a trade during October’s exchange period.
On the back of kicking 37 goals and not missing a game for the Swans in 2019, the 23-year-old asked for a trade to Carlton at the end of the season.
The deal ultimately didn’t eventuate after Carlton and Sydney couldn’t come to an agreement on a suitable trade.
Speaking for the first time since the failed trade request, Papley explained the difficult circumstances around why he decided to ask for a move away from the club.
"I was struggling a little bit with some family stuff, which I don't really need to go into," he told AFL Media.
"I love the club, I love 'horse' (John Longmire) and love all the boys. I just thought that it was the best thing for me at the time.
"It was pretty tough telling the captains and 'horse', but that's what you have to do. They've given me the chance to play in the AFL, so asking to walk away was an extremely hard decision.
"It's a business and I was aware that it might not happen, the club told me they'd try but it had to get the best deal for both parties.”
"I was disappointed at the time, but I could be doing worse things, I'm playing AFL footy.
"But I'm here now and I'm committed."
Papley remains contract to Sydney until the end of the 2023 season.