Retired Swans star turned assistant coach Jarrad McVeigh has been incredibly impressed with Tom Papley since the playing group returned to training.

The small forward requested a move to Carlton in the trade period and appeared desperate to return home to Victoria for personal reasons, but Sydney held firm and refused his request.

This was on the back of an outstanding 2019 season, where Papley was the club’s leading goal kicker with 37, while averaging 15 disposals per game.

McVeigh said the 23-year-old has returned to training and been one of the standouts.

“He’s been A-1. He’s been another one who has been leading the way with his training standards,” McVeigh told SEN Breakfast.

“He’s back in no worries. One of the great blokes of our footy club and a real character and there’s no issue whatsoever with him.

“He’s back to his normal self and really committed to us.”

McVeigh also pointed out three young Swans who have also been impressive greatly on the track so far.

“Dylan Stephens was our number five pick who looks like a really smooth mover with great skills and that will be exciting to see,” he said.

“Ollie Florent is having a really good pre-season. He’s played some good footy and we want him to go to another level now and be one of the elite midfielders in the competition.

“Jordan Dawson had a breakout year and has continued that form on throughout the pre-season.

“Hopefully those boys will help take us to another level.”