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Dangerous small forward Tom Papley is the youngest of three new additions in Sydney's eight-man leadership group for the 2021 AFL season.

Sydney have bucked a growing trend for streamlined AFL club leadership groups by naming five players to official roles under their trio of co-captains.

Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker and Dane Rampe will remain co-captains for the third straight season, with superstar Lance Franklin and Callum Mills retaining spots as deputies.

Tom Papley, Harry Cunningham and dual best-and-fairest winner Jake Lloyd have joined the leadership group for 2021.

Papley, 24, is the youngest of three new additions and steps up to the role little more than a year after seeking a trade to Carlton for family reasons.

The dangerous forward has since reaffirmed his commitment to Sydney and waved away further interest from rival clubs at the end of last season, choosing to honour a contract that runs to the end of 2023.

Papley led the Swans' goalkicking last season with 26 majors as a host of senior players - including Kennedy and Franklin - missed large periods through injury.

"I've come a long way with my leadership," Papley said.

"I think I have a good relationship with everyone in the playing group and can be a sounding board for the younger players, so that's where I like to think my leadership qualities are."

Sydney are yet to confirm a return date for Franklin, who has played just one game since mid-2019 because of constant injury issues.

The 34-year-old key forward had another calf muscle setback in late January.