Naismith thriving after Maric battle

By Sam Canavan

The 22-year-old has been solid all year for the men in red and white, but a fortnight back he was forced to come of age, with a baptism of fire at AFL level.

On debut, the lean Naismith had to carry the rucking load against Richmond monster Ivan Maric; one of the fittest and strongest big men in the competition.

While Naismith wasn’t overawed, he was at times overwhelmed by his more experienced opposite number, and was subbed out of the game with a quarter remaining.

“Having to ruck against Ivan was pretty daunting to be honest, and he came out really strongly, and I was a bit shell-shocked early,” Naismith said.

“I tried to take the opportunity with both hands, and it was a really good learning experience, showing me what was required to excel at the top level.

“I need to build my strength in the contest and improve my body work, refine my positioning around the ground, have more of a presence in terms of voice, and build my fitness base.”

Naismith was quick to put those learnings into practice – “the game against the tigers really benefitted me and spurred me on,” – with a brilliant display in the Swans’ Preliminary Final win over NT Thunder.

Making way for premiership star Mike Pyke in the senior side, Naismith returned arguably his best NEAFL performance of the year, completely dominating Seb Guilhaus, and Neil Vea Vea, with Thunder defender Errin Wasley-Black arguably the visitors’ most effective ruck option as a third man up.

Naismith finished with 48 hit outs, collected 16 disposals, and laid a phenomenal 11 tackles, giving first use to a stellar midfield contingent, including Tom Mitchell, Ryan O’Keefe, Shane Biggs, and Dan Robinson, playing a big part in Sydney’s advance to its second straight NEAFL decider. 

The Swans have been meticulous in their preparation this week, with a handful of the side’s injured players compiling dossiers on key Aspley players, with the likes of NEAFL MVP Matt Payne and former Kangaroo Eddie Sansbury among those highlighted.

Naismith is concentrating on working over star Hornets big men Michael Pettit and Jed Turner, and using his “extra height and leg speed” to get on top in the ruck battle. 

He’ll rotate in the centre with Toby Nankervis, a partnership that has proved one of the Swans’ biggest strengths this year, with both players also likely to spend time up forward.

“I think every player enjoys the chance to go forward and kick goals, and I’m certainly no exception!” said Naismith.

“I’ve been working hard with (forwards coach) Henry Playfair on my leading patterns and general play as a forward, so if I get the chance to go into attack hopefully I can make the most of my opportunities.”