‘Next man up’: Why Papley is confident Swans can overcome Mills absence to reach grand final

Tom Papley was part of a Swans side that beat Brisbane in week one of the AFL finals without five key players, and insists they can overcome the added absence of injured captain Callum Mills to repeat that feat at the SCG on Friday night. With a spot in the grand final on the line against Fremantle, Papley and the Swans are ready for whatever the Dockers throw at them after their stunning 53-point win over the Lions 10 days ago gave them the belief that anything is possible. Loading While Dane Rampe was on Monday named as stand-in captain, it’s still uncertain who will replace Mills in the back line. While he acknowledged Mills’ crucial role both as a player and leader, Papley said the team had been forced to adopt a “next man up” mentality after the suspension of five players last month for breaching the club’s behavioural standards. Being backed into a corner, Papley said, had prepared them to deal with the worst. “Like we fielded five others on the weekend, it’s next man up,” Papley said of Mills’ absence. “Would love for him to be out there, but it’s a squad mentality, and someone’s got to step up and fill his role.” That mentality was key to the Swans’ victory in the qualifying final despite losing Mills in the first quarter. Papley, who contributed five goals and is no stranger to preliminary finals, is confident his team can go all the way. Tom Papley at the Sydney Swans HQ the Friday after beating the Brisbane Lions. One example is 21-year-old Tom Hanily, who was singled out at a team meeting last week. “He ran 50 metres to give someone a high five,” Papley said. “They’re the little things that we love. He’s only played 10 games and for him to do that, and reward other players, it was just fantastic to see.” Papley kicked five goals in a mighty performance against Brisbane. via Getty ImagesAfter the emotion of such an enormous win, Papley said the team had been glad of the week off. He spent the day after the Brisbane match with his family at a Father’s Day lunch, then attended a barbecue at the house of teammate Tom McCartin on Friday to watch the semi-final that would determine the Swans’ next opponent. Sunday afternoon was spent at Henson Park, watching the Swans’ AFLW team beat derby rivals GWS. “It was obviously a very, very big win and a lot of emotion and stuff after the game, and it was nice to know we had a week off, and you could sort of sit in that for a couple of days,” Papley said.