A simplistic approach has seen ruckman Sam Naismith grasp his latest opportunity with both hands and play what’s proving to be an integral part of the Sydney Swans’ push towards finals.
Naismith has suddenly become Sydney’s number one ruckman in the wake of injury setbacks to Kurt Tippett (hamstring) and Callum Sinclair (knee).
The 24-year-old, who’d played just one game before this season, has strung together four consecutive matches and has filled the void competently.
He combined well with Toby Nankervis in Sunday’s 90-point win, with the duo tallying 43 hit outs between them in a strong showing against 98-gamer in Zac Clarke (37 of Fremantle’s 47 hit outs) despite never playing together at AFL level before.
“Talking to each other during the week we’d knew it’d be a hostile environment, especially with Pav (Matthew Pavlich) playing his 350th,” Naismith said.
“But playing with Toby, we’ve played a bit of footy together over the past couple of seasons (at NEAFL level).
“We knew each other and we’ve worked out each other well.
“It’s always great coming home with a win, especially by as much as did.”
Pending the fitness and form of Tom Derickx or whether coach John Longmire wants to mix things up, both Naismith and Nankervis are expected to shoulder the responsibility until Tippett and Sinclair’s impending returns.
Or, if form continues and improves, keep putting their best cases forward for the number one and two ruck spots.
When that time comes, Naismith will worry about it then. Right now, the 206cm big man is focusing squarely on the task at hand and developing his game for the benefit of the team.
“Over the last few weeks I’ve just tried to keep things basic, just play my ruck role and build from there,” he added.
“Each week I’ve just tried to build on the previous game, focusing on my ruck work first then worrying about getting kicks later.
“Is it a defensive approach? Absolutely, especially coming up against quality ruckmen.
“I just want to learn from it and build on it in the coming weeks.”
Naismith’s impact was highlighted when the former QBE Sydney Swans Academy member floated forward in the third quarter at Subiaco Oval, took a superb grab and was composed enough to kick his first AFL goal.
A specialist ruck-forward in the NEAFL, having kicked 14 goals in his eight games at the lower level this season alone, Naismith proved in that memorable moment his worth as a resting forward.
“It was a special moment,” Naismith recalled.
“I hadn’t seen too much of the footy to that point, but always good to get a kick.
“I was a bit nervous after taking the mark. It definitely wasn’t a ‘gimme’.
“It’s always a special moment, and one I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
Naismith will come up against an in-form Jackson Trengove on Saturday when Sydney take on Port Adelaide in the Round 20 clash at the SCG.
The Power could also recall Matthew Lobbe for the trip east, despite not playing since Round 5 due to a serious knee injury.
