Sydney forward Tom Papley has re-signed at Sydney on a fresh five-year deal.
The 26-year-old’s new contract will essentially make him a Swan for life after being drafted by the club back in 2015.
Papley wasn’t due to be out of contract until 2023 but moved early to extend his career in the Harbour City through until 2028.
The livewire forward had wanted to be traded to Carlton in 2019 but the Swans held firm and the last three seasons have seen Papley play the best footy of his career.
He said he was committed to Sydney’s young playing group.
✍🏼 Great news on a Friday. Tom Papley has committed his future to the Swans, signing a five-year contract extension which will keep him in the red and white until at least 2028. #Bloods
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) September 30, 2022
Details: https://t.co/0uWJcSc4GB pic.twitter.com/mlcFyO38RF
“We have a very exciting group coming through, I’m really looking forward to the next five years,” he said in a club 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 head of football Charlie Gardner said: “We are thrilled that Tom has committed his future to Sydney.
“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 and booted 32 goals in 19 appearances throughout 2022.