Young Swans forward Tom Papley has praised the side’s team-first attitude after Sydney’s 71-point win over St Kilda on Saturday night.
A total of 10 Swans collected goals in one of the biggest indications of the even spread of contributors in the percentage-boosting victory at Etihad Stadium.
Papley said the Swans’ all-in approach was central to the Round 12 win.
“I put it down to unselfishness,” Papley told SwansTV post-match.
“The amount of times we could have kicked a goal but passed it off to someone in a better position – it was great to see.
“Will has kicked 20-odd goals this year and Ronke has come in, Gary is contributing and obviously Buddy. It’s good to share the load around and it helps the forwards and midfielders.”
Star forward Lance Franklin booted four goals to move to fourth in the race for the Coleman Medal.
The four-time Coleman Medallist trails North Melbourne’s Ben Brown, the Giants’ Jeremy Cameron and Melbourne’s Jesse Hogan after the opening 11 rounds.
Star West Coast forward Josh Kennedy sits in seventh and he and Franklin will collide when the Swans and Eagles meet in an SCG blockbuster on Friday night.
Swans ruckman Callum Sinclair bagged three goals in the Saints clash, while Papley, Luke Parker, Will Hayward and Gary Rohan all kicked doubles.
Zak Jones, Josh Kennedy, Tom McCartin and Isaac Heeney all hit the scoreboard themselves in a performance in which a long list of Swans played important roles.
Papley and Franklin are continuing to form a dynamic combination as forwards, as are the likes of Ronke and Hayward with the former Hawk.
Franklin’s height often brings the ball to ground for the smaller and speedier forwards, and strong leads that draw defenders away create one-on-one contests for the Western Australian.
McCartin’s ability to create a contest for the likes of Papley and Ronke has also underpinned the Swans’ dynamic forward set-up in the four games he’s played.
Papley said Sydney would have to bring its best on Friday.
“It’s going to be a massive game,” Papley said.
“West Coast are a brilliant side and I can’t wait for Friday night footy at the SCG and to see all the fans there.”
