Papley bags four in shock Swans coup

HAWTHORN’S premiership stars were left stunned by a young and injury-ravaged Sydney Swans side that edged them 9.6 (60) to 7.11 (53) yesterday.

Alastair Clarkson’s side simply failed to defuse the bomb that is Tom Papley, who booted four goals to pump up his struggling side at the SCG.

Despite his failed trade request to Carlton, Papley is playing like he wants to be at the Swans. Defender Dane Rampe notched 34 disposals and courageously shut down any chance of a fourth-term Hawks comeback, while appearing to carry an injury to his arm.

Hawthorn has now conceded its fourth consecutive game and coach Clarkson will be under pressure to make serious changes to his side.

Keep losing, and there’ll be a change of guard – that was the warning Hawks coach Clarkson issued to his premiership stars last week.

The words appeared to resonate, at first, as Hawthorn’s senior guard started strong.

Jack Gunston celebrated his 200th game with a goal and veteran Shaun Burgoyne nailed a beautiful high snap.

Hawthorn midfielders Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O’Meara and Liam Shields took things into their own hands, each notching six-pointers. But the Hawks simply could not handle Papley and dropped their intensity in the third term. Just when the Swans needed a boost, Papley injected himself into the game.

The small forward booted a goal in the second term and immediately dished it out to Hawks star Tom Mitchell.

Push and shove ensued, and Papley was gifted with a free kick after James Frawley whacked him in the back.

Papley quickly slotted his second goal to bring the Swans within two points.