Tom Papley and Aaron Francis will be welcome returns to the red and white in Sydney Derby XXXI

Sydney Swans senior coach Dean Cox has confirmed two changes for Sydney Derby XXXI, with livewire forward Tom Papley and Aaron Francis named to return.

Papley, who suffered a hamstring injury in the club’s Round 17 win over Fremantle, will be a welcome addition to the forward line, having played just two games in 2025. 

Meanwhile, Tom McCartin remains sidelined as he progresses through AFL Concussion Protocols.

Cox says he is pleased to welcome back a player of Papley’s calibre in a crucial match against the cross-town rivals.

“He’s really important for our footy club, not only what he does from a football point of view, but the energy he provides our team,” Cox said.

“He does it a little bit differently than most other players, and he’s going to have to do it tomorrow night against a very good football team.”

The Swans have enjoyed a stellar run of form in recent weeks, winning five of their last six games, including three consecutive victories over Fremantle, St Kilda and North Melbourne. 

While the red and white also boast bragging rights with five straight wins in the Sydney Derby, Cox insists they can’t take any chances against an in-form GIANTS outfit.

“First of all, we have to lay with alot intensity – around the contest we need to understand they play a high-octane game, so (the question is), how do we maximise the opportunities when we have them, and how do we pressure them when they go quick form their back-half,” Cox said.

“We need to play the game in out front-half to try and restrict the slingshot footy they provide.

While there is plenty of talk about whether the BloodS will be featuring in September, Cox insists the playing group are solely focused on playing one week at a time. 

“That’s all we can look at (the next game), we need to make sure we keep putting our best foot forward, keep winning – and the boys are prepared to have a real crack at a team that’s won five in a row and a really good football team.”

 

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