Naismith was joined by midfielder Jack Lloyd in Tamworth to help mentor Aussie Rules juniors linked with North Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS).

The pair shared wisdom from what they have learned during their time spent in the AFL.

The now 22-year-old Naismith made his AFL debut for the Swans late last year against Richmond – a match he considered one of the most valuable of his career.

“It was a massive learning curve playing in round 23 against (Richmond ruckman) Ivan Maric,” Naismith told Swans media.

“I enjoyed every minute of it.

“I took a lot of learning out of it with my physical presence around the ground, my fitness and how to be smart around the stoppages.”

But the come down from his debut was severe with the emerging ruckman suffering a nasty bout of glandular fever earlier this pre-season.

The illness heavily impacted his fitness but he’s hopeful of making a return to the paddock  in 2015.

“I lost six kilos pre-Christmas, so I had to focus on my diet, gym work and rehab over the first two months of 2015.

“I’m over it now and back into training.”

NIAS Executive Officer Jason Lincoln said the Swans’ visit was invaluable to the future development of the  squad.

“These experiences are what we’re working tirelessly at NIAS to provide our athletes,” Lincoln said. 

“The opportunity to train with and be coached by the elite is what often acts as the catalyst for our athletes to achieve higher representative honours but more importantly assists with the holistic development of all NIAS athletes.”

Fellow Swans Heath Grundy and Alex Johnson also visited players in Armidale this week as part of the regional tour.