After bursting onto the scene this season small forward Tom Papley will be looking to take his game to a new level in 2017.
Papley was selected in the rookie draft in November and went on to exceed all expectations during his first season on an AFL list.
The 20-year-old managed to boot 29 goals from 20 matches in his first season earning him a promotion to the Club’s senior list.
He received a Rising Star nomination in Round 5 for his 20 disposals and two goal performance against West Coast at the SCG.
After working harder than most to find his spot on an AFL list Papley said he was delighted with how his journey started.
“Overall if you exclude the Grand Final it was a great season for the Club and I was lucky enough to be in that side.”
“It was a dream come true to get a game and then to get my opportunity and grab it has been great.”
It was not only the scoring ability of Papley that was impressive but his defensive pressure to lock the ball in the forward 50.
He went on to finish the season with 72 tackles in further proof of his importance when he doesn’t have the football in his hands.
Much like the way he plays his football Papley is not holding back as he sets some goals for the 2017 season.
“I need to come in during pre-season have a big pre-season and look to improve my fitness levels,” he said.
“I would like to pinch hit in the midfield whether that be in the NEAFL or the AFL because I wouldn’t mind bringing a bit more to my game.”
After not joining pre-season training until December last year, following his selection in the rookie draft, it will be an earlier start for Papley this time around.
He will join the Club’s first to fourth year players when they hit the training track to begin pre-season training on November 25.