Tom Papley is a professional Australian rules football player. He plays as a forward for Sydney Swans in the AFL.
Sydney Swans drafted Papley with the 14th overall selection of the 2016 rookie draft.
Here, we learn about Tom Papley’s net worth, salary, contract, career earnings, biography, stats, girlfriend, and more.
Tom Papley’s Biography
| Full Name | Tom Papley |
| Current Team | Sydney Swans |
| Position | Forward |
| Shirt No. | 11 |
| Draft | 14th Selection, 2016 Rookie Draft |
| Date of Birth | 13 July 1996 |
| Hometown | Melbourne, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Age | 27 |
| Height | 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight | 76 kg (168 lb) |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Relationship Status | In a Relationship |
| Girlfriend | Annie Milner |
| @tompapley |
Tom Papley was born in Melbourne, Australia on July 13, 1996. He played his junior football with the Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup, also known as the Coates Talent League.
The Gippsland Power is an Australian rules football team in the Talent League.
AFL Career
Sydney Swans drafted Tom Papley with the 14th overall selection of the 2016 rookie draft.
Tom Papley made his AFL debut for Sydney Swans in the opening round of the 2016 AFL season against the Collingwood Magpies.
He finished the season with 29 goals, 243 disposals, and 72 tackles. In the 2020 season, Papley played all 17 games, kicking 26 goals. He also made 200 disposals and 29 tackles.
He led the Swan’s goalkicking tally for the second year. In the 2021 season, Papley scored 43 goals, made 313 disposals, and made 34 tackles in 23 matches. He was named to the All-Australian Team (2021).
Girlfriend
Tom Papley is currently in a relationship with Annie Milner, his beautiful girlfriend. The couple has been dating for a long time.
Career Highlights
- All-Australian: 2021
- 2x Sydney leading goalkicker: 2019, 2020
- 22under22 team: 2017
- AFL Rising Star Nominee: 2016
Tom Papley’s Net Worth Details
Tom Papley’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. The forward joined the Swans following the 2016 rookie draft.
Papley’s prime sources of earnings are his football salaries and sponsorship deals. His estimated average annual salary at Sydney Swans is $400,000.
Papley earned an estimated $442,600 base salary for the 2022 season without any performance bonuses or incentives.
Contract and Career Earnings
In 2022, Tom Papley signed a 5-year contract extension with the Sydney Swans worth $2 million, expiring at the end of the 2028 season at $400,000 a year.
Making his AFL debut in 2016, the forward has played 7 seasons in the AFL. Papley’s estimated career earnings are worth $3 million, only from his AFL base salaries.
Endorsements
Tom Papley earns a lucrative amount from endorsements and sponsorship deals. Nike endorses him.
AFL Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Disposals | Tackles |
| 2016 | Sydney Swans | 20 | 29 | 243 | 72 |
| 2017 | Sydney Swans | 20 | 30 | 312 | 86 |
| 2018 | Sydney Swans | 20 | 24 | 273 | 58 |
| 2019 | Sydney Swans | 22 | 37 | 340 | 62 |
| 2020 | Sydney Swans | 17 | 26 | 200 | 29 |
| 2021 | Sydney Swans | 23 | 43 | 313 | 34 |
| 2022 | Sydney Swans | 19 | 32 | 390 | 37 |
FAQs
1. Who is Tom Papley?
Tom Papley is an Australian rules footballer who plays as a forward for the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was born on July 13, 1996, in Melbourne and was drafted from Gippsland Power and Bunyip with the 14th pick in the 2016 Rookie Draft.
2. What are Tom Papley’s career highlights?
Tom Papley’s career highlights include being selected in the 2021 All-Australian team, leading Sydney’s goalkicking in 2019 and 2020, earning a Rising Star nomination in 2016, and representing Victoria in the 2020 State of Origin Bushfire Relief Match, where he kicked five goals.
3. How many goals has Tom Papley kicked in his AFL career?
Tom Papley has played 184 games and kicked 293 goals for the Sydney Swans, establishing himself as one of the league’s top small forwards.
4. Has Tom Papley suffered any major injuries?
Yes, Tom Papley has experienced injuries during his career. He suffered a cracked heel during training, which is expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks. He also missed the start of the 2022 season due to a hamstring injury.
5. What is Tom Papley’s background before joining the AFL?
Before joining the AFL, Tom Papley played for Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup and for Bunyip. He left school after Year 11 to start a plumbing apprenticeship, balancing work and football before being drafted.
6. What is known about Tom Papley’s family and football heritage?
Tom Papley comes from a football family. His grandfathers, Jeff Bray and Max Papley, both played for the South Melbourne Swans. He also has cousins, Ben Ross and Michael Ross, who have played in the AFL.
7. What controversies has Tom Papley been involved in?
Tom Papley hosts a gambling-related podcast called “The Early Crow,” which has attracted controversy due to the AFL’s strict betting policies and the Sydney Swans’ anti-gambling stance. However, Papley has stated he does not bet on AFL games.
8. What are Tom Papley’s most notable performances?
Some of Tom Papley’s standout performances include kicking four goals against North Melbourne and five against West Coast in 2019, as well as a match-winning goal against Geelong in 2021. He consistently delivers in high-pressure situations.
9. What awards or recognitions has Tom Papley received?
Tom Papley has been named in the All-Australian team (2021), twice led the Sydney Swans in goalkicking, was a Rising Star nominee in 2016, and was selected for the 22under22 team in 2017. He has also placed highly in the club’s best and fairest awards.
10. What is Tom Papley’s role and playing style?
Tom Papley plays primarily as a small forward, known for his goal sense, agility, and lively celebrations. He is recognized for his ability to create scoring opportunities, apply forward pressure, and perform in crucial moments for the Sydney Swans.
