In the frame to play in first AFL match since 2020 is a Richmond recruit.
Sam Naismith, who was signed by the Richmond Tigers prior to the season, is expected to play in his first AFL game since 2020 and his third since 2017.
After playing in 30 games and spending nine years with the New South Wales team, Naismith was delisted by the Swans at the end of 2022 due to a series of knee-related setbacks.
After they lost second-string ruckman Ivan Soldo to Port Adelaide during the trade period, he would subsequently be signed by the Tigers.
The injury-plagued ruckman is reportedly in the frame to play in the club’s opening-round match after an impressive preseason, which will force coach Adam Yze to make some difficult choices.
This is particularly relevant given that Toby Nankervis, the first-choice ruck and skipper, is rushing to get fit for Round 1.
“He earned this chance because he had an outstanding year at the VFL level. “He knew right away that he would be a backup because we needed some support for ‘Nank’ in case something happened,” Yze said to AFL.com.au after getting him into the football club.
“However, he entered and trained the house. He’s put up his hand to be our opening round ruck right now, which is fantastic.
In terms of football, he is an excellent player and a terrific guy to have around the team. He is also a strong man, a terrific runner, and a skilled ruckman.
But when I first met him and we talked about getting him across, it was his character that really caught my attention.
“It’s clear that he experienced a lot as a child, first with his family and then with his knees.
“He has had all this adversity, but you wouldn’t know; he is always asking about other people and making sure everyone else is OK.”
The 31-year-old worked as a ruckman for Port Melbourne, a VFL team, for the better part of the previous season. In 14 games, he averaged 14 disposals and 37 hitouts per game, making him one of the top players in the league.
On the first day of the 2023 delisted free agency period, ruckman signed a contract with the Tigers, securing another opportunity in the top flight thanks to his impressive season in the state league.
“We really want a character like that at our football club. He will deserve it, so I’ll be ecstatic when he makes his football club debut,” he continued.
We’ll give him more than just a game; Samson Ryan is a capable backup to “Nank,” and when he does get the chance, he will earn it.
“Sam will play again next week against Collingwood and who knows for the Gold Coast game?”
Beginning in 2024, Naismith will work with former teammate and Richmond co-captain Toby Nankervis in Adem Yze’s ruck ranks, providing additional coaching to rising tall Samson Ryan in the process.
