[2] In February 1964, Papley was cleared to South Melbourne,[3] a couple of months prior to the events which saw Moorabbin expelled from the VFA.
Papley had made it clear to South Melbourne that he would continue playing as long as it did not interfere with his cricket commitments.
[1] Papley told South about the offer and, because the club would not relent over the cricketing issue, he moved to Williamstown without a clearance and took up the job as captain-coach.
Papley led the club to Grand Finals in his first three seasons, and winning the 1969 premiership in the VFA Second Division despite having suffered bruised ribs in a car accident in the previous week.
[5] Papley played 54 games for the Seagulls, and kicked 108 goals, and his contribution was recognized with selection in Williamstown's official 'Team of the Century' in 2003 as centreman.