Sydney small forward and antagonist, Tom Papley, is weary of both Port Adelaide and Hawthorn, with the latter catching his eye more often than not.
The Hawks, or as most people know them, 'Hok', are putting together an intoxicating run that began in Round 8, turning around a 0-5 start to a semi-final and potentially more that will be determined on Friday night at the Adelaide Oval.
Filled with their fleet-of-foot small forwards Jack Ginnivan, Nick Watson, Dylan Moore and Connor Macdonald, the Hawks are flying and are favourites to face the Swans in next week's preliminary final.
As a fellow adversary in the eyes of rival clubs, Papley has admired how the young, brash Hawks have featured throughout 2024, noting how impressive they've been.
"I love watching (Hawthorn), to be honest," Papley admitted.
"As a small forward, you love seeing small forwards going about it. Ginnivan, the Wizard, Moore and the like are very dangerous.
"The energy that they bring. It looks like they are having so much fun out there. It looks like they are being themselves.
"Also, they're winning footy. Their game is strong. Their defence is strong. It's just about carrying on and having fun. They're having fun because they are doing the right stuff.
"They were 0-5, and a team of that age, to come back, they've obviously drilled down on their standards at the club... and it flows into your game.
"It's a full credit to Hawthorn, their leadership group and coaching staff."
Papley also didn't have much to say about Ginnivan's "see you in 14 days" tweet sent to former teammate Brodie Grundy but loved the theatre of it all.
"That's just Ginni, isn't it?
"He's good for the game. He's a character. I don't mind it, to be honest. A bit of banter between old teammates, and every is talking about it, so he probably likes it."
Papley has been donned the fire starter for the Swans, and his absence in the final five games of the home and away season was felt.
His return in the qualifying final was pivotal to the club's flag chances but also to how the game played out.
Rivalling Isaac Heeney's heroics last Saturday, Papley slotted two goals and directly gifted four others throughout the day, leading Sydney to a six-point win.
Prior to the famous victory, the 28-year-old revealed that he was involved in a car crash, rear-ending a vehicle in front of him.
Keeping the news close to his chest before the contest, Papley said he was all good and quipped about riding a motorcycle to the next game.
"I actually got a Fat Boy just recently," Papley said.
"Nah, I'll be taking the car for sure.
"It (the car) is not too bad, not as bad as the Mazda."
The Swans have the week off to prepare for a mouth-watering preliminary final at the SCG next week, and will await the victor between Port Adelaide and the Hawks.
