When Jake Lloyd and Tom Papley run out onto the SCG for this Sunday’s clash against Melbourne, it will mark 200 games as teammates together in the red and white.  

These two players, both from regional Victoria and both from the Rookie Draft in their respective years, have had a huge impact on the team. 

Hailing from Horsham in Western Victoria, Lloyd debuted in 2014. He quickly became the kind of player teammates could rely on. Known for his endurance, durability and reliability with the ball, his consistency from week to week and year to year has stacked up into an impressive playing record, with more than 4,000 disposals in over 250 games and two Bob Skilton medals to his name. 

While he might be a bit biased, it’s hard to disagree with one of Jake’s earliest trainers, Tony (who also happens to be his dad): 

“When it gets tough, he’s got that head resilience where he can just push through: push through harder things, harder times … it’s alright to build your body strong, but you’ve got to build your mind strong as well.” 

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The Heroes of Horsham

Local footy clubs are so important to small communities around the country, so we paid a special visit to those who had an impact on Bloods legend Adam Goodes, and club stalwart, Jake Lloyd

Also from regional Victoria, a four-hour drive from Lloyd’s hometown, in Bunyip, Gippsland, Papley joined the team in 2016. Small, loud, and hard to ignore, he puts pressure on defenders, chases relentlessly, and enjoys his impact on the scoreboard with iconic goal celebrations. He’s kicked more than 300 goals, finished as the club’s leading goalkicker multiple times, and earned All-Australian selection in 2021.  

When asked about his fellow No. 11, Swans legend & Brownlow Medalist Peter Bedford commented: 

“Tommy's worked really hard to make it from the country, and he's just improved at every turn. He's always got a smile on his face, generates so much energy for the team, and deserves all the accolades he gets.” 

Lloyd and Papley have played together through finals, list changes and challenging seasons. Roles around them have changed, but both have stayed central to how Sydney plays. One sets things up from the back half. The other finishes the work closer to goal. From the rookie list to 200 games together, the dedication and consistent effort of these two hardworking players epitomises what it means to play team-first football for the Sydney Swans.