Tamworth pair reunite at Ladies Lunch

This article first appeared in the Northern Daily Leader

Channel 7’s Kylie Gillies, a former Tamworth lass, received an extra treat at the recent Swans Ladies Lunch in Sydney.

Former Gunnedah Bulldog, Sam Naismith, now with the Swans in Sydney, was also there with his mother and made a beeline for Kylie.

“The Swans Ladies Lunch is an annual event attended by hundreds of influential women who love AFL and love the Swans,” Kylie told The Leader.

“I was there in my capacity as a Sydney Swans ambassador and NSW AUSKICK ambassador,” she said.”

“It was such a thrill to meet Sam. He approached the table with his mum. They thought it was important the Gunnedah connection meet their Tamworth “countrycousin”.

“She (Sam’s mum) thought Sam should meet the wife of the man whose medal he won. Sam was awarded the “Gillies Medal” in 2009 for the Best and Fairest in the Tamworth AFL. But the honour was mine. I love to see country kids doing well and Sam’s rise to the top of the AFL tree has been nothing short of amazing.

“He didn’t even play as a junior. He was head-hunted by Paul Roos while at University in Armidale. Of course I rang Tony (former NDL journo and Aussie Rules tragic) immediately, who was very proud the Naismith’s had made the connection.

“We had a lovely chat. It turns out Sam attended the same high-school as my cousin in Gunnedah (St Mary’s). It was wonderful to chat with Sam’s mum, who is thrilled with the way Sam has settled into city life under the guiding and watchful eye of the Sydney Swans.

“They look after their young men and Sam is adjusting well. I can’t wait to see him take to the field when he recovers from his injury. First the Gillies Medal. Who knows? One day it could well be the Brownlow.”