Star Sydney Swans forward and Bunyip local Tom Papley is getting behind his hometown to support those whose lives have been devastated by fires in the region.

Papley has set up a fundraising page to help raise vital money for those in need – and he’s calling on members and supporters to help him in his cause.

A ferocious blaze broke out in Bunyip and its surrounds in country Victoria last Friday, which has since destroyed houses and wiped out animals, farmland and sheds.

Papley, who played his junior footy with Bunyip Football Club, transitioned to the Gippsland Power and was drafted by the Swans as a rookie ahead of season 2016, said the fires had destroyed the communities.

“The fires have had a massive impact. It’s really affected the communities and families out in those areas: Bunyip North, Tonumbik and other areas around there. It’s pretty devastating to see,” Papley told SwansTV.

“Those families that have been affected have been shattered. They’ve lost everything. The main thing is no lives have been lost, but they’ve lost everything else.”

Papley and Bunyip Football Club have combined forces to launch a GoFundMe account for the many desperate communities.

The target of the funding is $10,000 and Papley said every cent would make a difference.

“I’m from Bunyip and our community is pretty tight as it is, but it’s important to not just get our community but the whole of Victoria and Australia rallying together,” Papley said.

“Please pass on $5, $50 or anything. Every little bit counts and every little bit is greatly appreciated.”

On the footy front, Papley is among a number of young faces working on their midfield craft during the pre-season.

Papley, Callum Mills, Oliver Florent and George Hewett are just some of the young Swans set for greater responsibility at the centre bounce in season 2019.

Papley, who has made a name for himself as a small forward over his first three seasons of AFL footy, says he’ll relish the chance to split his time between the inside 50 and midfield.

“Hopefully I get into the midfield a bit more and broaden my game at the centre bounces,” Papley said.

“But I always like to spend some time in the forward line and help the team on the scoreboard.”

If you would like to donate to the GoFundMe account launched by Papley and Bunyip Football Club to help the Gippsland communities hit by fire, you can do so HERE.

Alternatively, you can find the GoFundMe link on Papley’s Instagram account (@tompapley) or on his Twitter account (@TomPapley).