In summary:

Firebrand Swan Tom Papley played an important role in Sydney’s forward 50 in his third season in red and white, impressing as a goal-sneak and applying enormous defensive pressure.

The Gippsland Power product booted 24 majors across 20 games, a healthy return including seven doubles and two three-goal efforts.

The 22-year-old also averaged three tackles per match, joining the likes of Will Hayward and Ben Ronke in creating a furnace of pressure inside the Swans’ forward 50.

Papley was sidelined by a hip injury for three games during the middle period of the season, but the youngster would return to help the Swans book a ticket to September.

What the numbers say:

Games: 20

Goals: 24

Kicks: 169

Handballs: 104

Disposals: 273

Marks: 65

AFL Fantasy: 62.3 (average)

Best performance:

Round 21: Sydney Swans v Melbourne, MCG

Papley starred in the Swans’ tenacious nine-point victory over the Demons in Round 21, collecting 16 touches and three goals in the MCG clash. His sparkling performance earned him two AFL Coaches’ Association votes and helped Sydney clinch back-to-back wins.

Milestone:

Playing 50^th game

Papley brought up 50 AFL games as Sydney outmuscled the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba in Round 10. He pocketed one goal as the Swans grabbed an 18-point victory in his milestone match. The Victorian, a grandson of former Swans Max Papley and Jeff Bray, signed with Sydney at the Rookie Draft in 2015.

What they said:

Tom Papley

“It’s pretty enjoyable playing alongside those young boys in the forward line and obviously Buddy as well. We learn off each other, it’s enjoyable and the future is exciting.”

Forwards coach Steve Johnson 

“Tommy was hampered a little bit throughout the year with hips and groins, so he wasn’t at his best. But in the second half of the year after having a few weeks off he showed the dangerous forward he is. We probably would’ve liked the season to go a little longer because he was just starting to hit his straps. He’s an extremely dangerous player and a hard player to match up on. He can go up into stoppages and be dangerous around the clearances but also push forward and create goals out of nothing.”

In pictures:

'You beauty!': Tom Papley, Isaac Heeney and Will Hayward celebrate a goal in the Swans' win over the Cats in Round 6.

Papley showing off the best of his goal celebrations in the Swans' win over the Demons in Round 21.

(On right) Papley and a host of other Swans pose for a photo for Rural Aid's Buy a Bale campaign.

Suiting up: Papley and Swans captain Josh Kennedy at the 2018 Brownlow Medal count.

Stay tuned for more season reviews at sydneyswans.com.au over the remainder of this week.