Blues must go big to net Tom

TOM Papley’s All-Australian-standard season is set to see his trade value rise, with the onus on Carlton to conjure up a deal too good for Sydney to refuse.

St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt said the Blues would make a “big jump” next year if they secured Papley or Giant Zac Williams and they will come face-to-face with Papley at Metricon Stadium next Tuesday.

Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall declared Papley was one of the first players he’d choose if putting a team together and it’s understood his market price has jumped to about two first-round picks.

The Swans have been impressed by Papley’s focus and commitment after last year’s unfulfilled trade request, while Papley’s desire to return to Victoria has softened.

If Papley does ask the question again he is also likely to consider options other than Carlton. The Blues currently hold pick No. 7 and would have to either bundle in their top pick next year or trade a player with currency to foot the expected bill.

Key defender Caleb Marchbank is viewed as gettable although he has not played since Round 16 last year.

The player who the Blues could deem as expendable is midfielder Paddy Dow, their No. 3 pick from 2017.

Dow signed a juicy contract extension until 2022 in his first year however coach David Teague has given him just two games this season.

Meanwhile Papley, 24, has taken 25 marks on the lead this year, ranked No. 2 behind Tom Hawkins

St Kilda’s Dan Butler has trailed off recently, leaving Papley as the AFL’s No. 1 small forward.

Butler – who toured the Blues last year before they prioritised pursuits of Eddie Betts, Jack Martin and Papley – was held scoreless on Saturday night and has not won a groundball inside 50m since Round 10.

Papley was on track to become the shortest man in generations to win the Coleman Medal earlier in the year.

The Swans’ position will only become more rigid if he asks for a trade given he is their most important player.

There is an expectation that Papley will again ask for a trade, but his growth as a leader at the Swans – a young team on the rise – does give him extra food for thought about whether it might be worth staying away from home in pursuit of something special in Sydney.

SAM LANDSBERGER AND BEN HORNE