Young forward Tom Papley admits he didn’t expect to play the first five matches of the season when he was selected by the Swans in November’s Rookie Draft.

The 19-year-old received the Round 5 AFL Rising Star nomination for his outstanding performance against West Coast on Saturday afternoon.

It’s been a long journey into the AFL system for the boy from Bunyip who was overlooked by all 18 AFL clubs in the National Draft before being selected by the Swans.

Papley said he has already exceeded his own expectations this season.

“As a rookie you don’t expect to play in your first year, but when you come to the club you do have goals in place,” Papley said.

“I tried to be involved in training, and then if you are involved in training you are going alright, so that is what I tried to focus on.

“I knew if I played alright in the practice matches and at training I would get my chance – and that’s what happened.”

Papley has added an important spark to the Swans’ forward line this season, booting eight goals from five matches.

The No. 41 has red and white in the blood – both of his grandfathers, Max Papely and Jeff Bray, played for the Swans.   

To now be playing for the team he grew up supporting is a dream come true for Papley, who says it still feels “surreal”.

“If you stick to your goals and keep working hard at what you want to do you can achieve anything,” he said.

“Obviously I didn’t expect to play this year, but now I have my opportunity I just want to keep playing and play my role – which hopefully I can keep doing for a while.”