I was at the last two games. He did an excellent job with a hard, physical tag on whitfield (GWS), who had to be moved forward to get any ball. Against Geelong he was equal highest for swans tackles with Heeney, third highest for swans pressure acts, ran third highest distance for the swans, third highest total distance covered at high speed for swans and third highest average speed for swans.
Watching him, he is the one gut running to cover the opposition running half backs and preventing the slingshot goals. It has to be the least glamorous role in footy, and requires incredible discipline to sacrifice yourself.
Last year the swans ran with only two forward talls. This year they are running with three. If they keep the taller structure then wicks will make way for papley, however someone will need to step up to play the defensive forward role (which papley would never do) or the swans will be very vulnerable on turnover.
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