Fit Papley fires for Swans

LIVEWIRE Sydney AFL forward Tom Papley ( pictured) says he’s fitter than in his breakthrough year of 2016 despite undergoing two bouts of off-season knee surgery.

Papley was Sydney’s second-highest goalkicker in 2016 behind Lance Franklin, kicking 29 and supplying the defensive pressure demanded by coach John Longmire.

A grand-final loss denied him a fairytale end to his first season and the 20-year-old has since endured a double dose of adversity.

He had surgery for bilateral compartment syndrome in December and underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in February.

“I probably did four months without running,” Papley said on Friday. “Credit to the medical team, I feel a lot fitter this year than last year even though I’ve had that smaller preseason.” Papley has kicked four goals in four games and last week against Brisbane tallied 19 touches, just one below his AFL career-high.

His return, along with the emergence of Will Hayward, has given Sydney two dangerous ground level forwards to complement the aerial threats posed by Franklin, Sam Reid and Kurt Tippett.

“It’s always good to have another little mate down there,” Papley said referring to 18-year-old Hayward, who has kicked nine goals in his first six senior games.

“Will is good. He brings a bit of energy and a bit of spark.”

Sydney also have Kurt Tippett, Gary Rohan and Kieren Jack working back from injury.