As difficult as it is picking through Saturday night’s semi-final win over Adelaide for the ultimate match-winner, one struggles not to give Tom Papley’s four-goal performance an honourable mention.

At the very least.

Papley, one of the Sydney Swans’ talented youngsters to burst onto the scene this season, starred to help slingshot his team into a preliminary final against Geelong.

The 20-year-old set the SCG alight with four goals straight out of the small forward’s text book, combining with veterans Lance Franklin (4) and Ben McGlynn (3) for 11 of Sydney’s 18 goals for the night.

Whether it be crumbing off packs or doing it all himself, Papley put himself in the right spot at the right time to play a crucial role in the 36-point victory.

“It’s a real credit to him,” midfielder Dan Hannebery said. “He kicked some really important goals and was a big reason why we got the result."

Papley’s effort came off the back of two goals against GWS in the qualifying final before a leg injury hindered the rest of his afternoon, while his consistency throughout the season, rubber stamped by his 26 goals from 18 games, is remarkable in itself considering his pathway to the Sydney Swans’ list.

Selected with the 14th pick in this year’s Rookie Draft, the former Casey Scorpion worked incredibly hard during pre-season to earn a promotion and Round 1 debut.

“We saw him in the pre-season, his decision making and general play was outstanding. He’s a natural footballer,” Hannebery added.

“For a first-year player to come in and have the impact he’s had has really driven the senior players and brings an air of excitement. He certainly injects a lot of enthusiasm.”

Papley’s value to the side seeps deeper than what shows up on the scoresheet by match end.

His tackling and pressure in the forward half is what gets the coaches smiling, in particularly Brett Kirk who the youngster not only supported as a young Sydney Swans fan growing but spends every post-training kicking at goal with.

One can’t help but think Papley’s enthusiasm will be a valuable asset in this finals series.

“I was pleased with my four goals, it was a cherry on top,” Papley told SwansTV after the win.

“But, (against GWS), I wasn’t very happy with my game. I didn’t bring enough pressure to the contest.

“It was better this week and that’s what brought about the four goals.”