Papley makes grandfather’s number his own

TOM Papley’s Swans heritage will be cemented this year with the livewire forward switching from 41 to the number 11 Guernsey worn by his grandfather Max Papley.

Papley senior was a star for South Melbourne in the 1960s, winning the club best and fairest in 1966 and representing Victoria in his four years at the Lake Oval.

Tom’s maternal grandfather Jeff Bray also played alongside Max Papley at the same time as a centre half back.

Papley junior has worn the number 41 in his first two seasons in red and white but the retirement of defender Jeremy Laidler has provided the chance for the goal sneak to make the switch to 11.

“It’s pretty special,” Tom Papley said.

“I didn’t really think about it until Laids retired. Pap has his name on the number 11 locker and I thought it would be very nice to get my name underneath it with a premiership cup alongside it.”

Papley’s grandfather played 59 games in his four seasons at South which is less than the 100 required to have your name on the locker, but his best and fairest qualifies him.

“When I told Paps I wanted to wear his number he wasn’t too sure,” Papley said.

“He thought I should make 41 my own. When I told him about how I wanted to have my name alongside his on the locker he was happy with that. It’s a nice bit of history for us to share.”

Tom and his grandfather discussed the idea of changing numbers on a recent fishing trip.

“I’m chuffed,” Max Papley said. “I said you’ve made 41 yours, do whatever you want to do. The family are pretty stoked about it. It’s really sad that Jeff (Bray) isn’t here, he would have loved what’s happening with Tom.”

Tom recently extended his time at the Swans until at least the end of 2020. He’s been a revelation in his first two seasons in red and white after being picked up at selection 14 in the rookie draft. He booted 29 goals in his first year and 30 in his second to finish runner up in the goal kicking behind Coleman medal winner Lance Franklin.

Papley will wear the number 11 for the first time in the JLT Series match against the Brisbane Lions next March.