Sydney Swans forward Tom Papley is not worried if he becomes a target for his Brisbane Lions opponents in Saturday's AFL grand final.

Papley is known for his aggressive on-field behaviour and he has no plans to change his approach at the MCG.

He kicked off his seventh career finals series by igniting a quarter-time scuffle with GWS captain Toby Greene in the Swans's comeback win over the Giants three weeks ago.

Papley was also involved in an altercation with Port Adelaide's Willie Rioli in the Swans's preliminary-final victory at the SCG last Friday night.

"When I walk on the field, it's just white-line fever," said Papley, who is set for a match-up on Lions defender Brandon Starcevich in the grand final.

"I'm just out there to win, whatever it takes.

"I might probably come across the wrong way, and people probably don't like me, but I don't really care.

"I know my teammates like me, and that's what it's all about, doing everything for your teammates."

Papley made his senior debut for the Swans in 2016 after being elevated from the rookie list.

But his path to the AFL was never assured.

He began a plumbing apprenticeship in Victoria after being overlooked in the national draft.

"If the Swans didn't pick me up, I would probably still be plumbing," Papley said.

"I always wanted to (play AFL) but probably didn't really think I was good enough. I didn't really do everything right.

"When I was 18, 19, I wasn't that professional. I would do what every 18, 19-year-old kid does.

"I wanted it, but I didn't really want it … so to get that chance and to take it to where I've taken it today, it's a fair bit of luck.

"That's what a lot of people need, is that luck to get that chance.

"Coming on from a plumber to a rookie helped me a lot … you need to work hard and take that chance."

AAP