Tom Papley continues to be linked with a possible move away from the Sydney Swans.
The small forward was close to joining Carlton last trade period but in the end the two clubs were unable to strike a deal.
Papley has starred in red and white so far this year, kicking 21 goals as one of the most dangerous players in the competition inside forward 50.
Once again, there is talk of the 24-year-old potentially departing the Swans at season’s end but teammate Jake Lloyd has played those suggestions down.
Speaking on SEN, Dwayne Russell said that it seems to him that Papley is fully invested in the Swans, to which Lloyd replied: “100 per cent (he is).
“His leadership around the football club has been massive this year.
“He addressed what happened in the off-season, day one when we got back, and no one has thought about it since.
“He’s fully invested in the footy club and he’s leading by example out there so hopefully he stays in Sydney.”
Russell alluded to the topic of a potential trade again being prominent over the course of the season and asked Lloyd what his message would be for those looking to give the rumours more air.
“Paps is staying, let’s go with that, I’m happy with that,” he laughed.
“I love playing alongside Paps. He’s having a sensational year.
“He’s only a young fella but he really leads our forward line. The team gets a lot of confidence from his actions, his pressure and what he does around the footy.
“He’s great to play with.”
Some Blues fans were even spotted sitting behind the goals at Optus Stadium last night as the Swans defeated GWS, showing their full support for Papley, further highlighting the desire to lure him to Ikon Park.
A group of Carlton fans turned up to recruit Tom Papley 🤣
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 13, 2020
(h/t @RudiEdsall) pic.twitter.com/cACL6QVE1k
Earlier this week, SEN Drive host Andy Maher, a known Blue, suggested tongue-in-cheek that he could put Swans CEO Tom Harley “in touch with some people at a footy club that I’ve got a little leaning to”, regarding Papley.
“Yeah, I don’t think we’ll need that, Mahery,” Harley replied to Maher’s jest.
“He’s very committed and invested in our footy club and we won’t be giving any oxygen to that.
“He’s been terrific this year and is the best small forward in the game.”
Papley is contracted with Sydney until the end of 2023.