Tom Papley has revealed he has a “bit of a pact” with some of the competition's best small forwards.
The 24-year-old Swans forward has been in fine form to start the year, most notably kicking the winning goal against Geelong in Round 6.
Papley said he shares a unique bond with some of the other small forwards in the competition, keeping in contact with the likes of West Coast’s Liam Ryan and Melbourne young gun Kysaiah Pickett.
“The small forwards around the league have a bit of a pact,” he said on Sportsday.
“We also send each other little messages on Instagram, Liam Ryan also gives me messages here or there.
“It’s just a pact we have; we always get around each other after (games). We got around Kossie Pickett after the game on the weekend.”
Sydney’s youngsters have impressed in the early part of 2021, with the likes of Logan McDonald, Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden all receiving Rising Star nominations within the first two months of the season.
When asked which younger teammate impressed him the most, Papley nominated fellow small Gulden as his favourite.
“I have to say Errol (Gulden),” he said.
“As a small forward, I know how hard it can be. He’s really crafty and a smart footballer, loves his little left foot and some of the things he does at training is really exciting.
“With all of them, the willingness to learn is second to none, they’re all asking questions and that’s what it all about - soaking it all up from the older guys in the first few years.”