David King believes the Swans need more from Tom Papley this year, feeling he has had a “seriously disappointing” season.
Papley kicked 14 goals in the first five rounds of 2023, but has only kicked 12 since while also averaging fewer disposals, marks and clearances than 2022.
Sydney sits 14th on the ladder and if not for an interchange infringement against North Melbourne, they would be a game clear inside the bottom four.
Papley was quiet again in the loss to Richmond on Thursday night and King believes he is a big part of their energy.
“He’s had a frustrating year. He kicked six against Richmond in Round 5 and has been in and out of games since,” the North Melbourne champion told SEN Breakfast.
“He’s hardly influenced meaningfully in the 2023 season. I think he has been seriously disappointing and he is one of the big money guys who is supposed to shape games. It’s as simple as that.
“He is their energy. He is the fire-starter for them. It just hasn’t been that way this year.
“It makes you wonder … he’s on a long-term deal – will it recover or is this just Tom Papley going forward. It’s a big conversation for John Longmire.”
Kane Cornes agrees, believing Papley would be a frustrating player to support.
“When it comes off, we laud him and it’s infectious and he’s so important culturally for the team and the attributes he’s got players would love – to be able to influence at centre bounces and inside 50.”
“But often he either plays for free kicks, makes silly mistakes as he did last night or can be somewhat frustrating to watch.”
Papley picked up 12 disposals and a goal in the loss to the Tigers on Thursday night.