Standing at a towering 206cm, Sydney Swan Sam Naismith makes for an impressive sight.
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The Swans ruckman and home-grown Australian Rules star was back in Gunnedah this week as part of a skills clinic for local school kids.
Since his first season with the Sydney side in 2013, Naismith has encountered a meteoric rise through club ranks.
He made his senior grade debut during the round 23 match in 2014 against Richmond but has struggled with injury since then.
While limbering up a for a run with the energy-charged primary students in Gunnedah on Tuesday, Naismith detailed his setbacks which included a bout of glandular fever.
“The injuries all relate to each other,” Naismith told the NVI.
“I came back and tried to do as much training as I could in a short amount of time and that led to an overtraining injury.”
He played just eight games for the Swans in last season’s North East Australian Football League (NEAFL) – a second tier AFL competition – due to injury.
The off-season offered ample time to recuperate and allow the body to heal in time for the 2016 season.
“I feel a lot stronger than I did this time last year,” he said.
But it’s not the rough and tumble contact work that’s working the real magic.
The recovery this time has involved more low-tempo, alternative therapies.
“I’ve been strengthening out my hips, groin and core through pilates and yoga,” he said.
Just when exactly he will be back playing top grade football he can’t be certain.
What he does know, is that coaches are happy with his progression and hold “high hopes” of seeing the Gunnedah star back in the mix sometime this year.
“Hopefully in the early months of the season I’ll be playing,” Naismith said.
There was also plenty of confidence surrounding the club prospects this season.
“We should be very competitive, we’re looking forward to a good season,” he said
“We’ve got a team to really compete for a premiership.”
So what’s it like being back on familiar territory in Gunnedah?
“It’s good; about twice a year I come back and see family and friends,” he said.
“It’s a bit different being back here for an AFL camp, it’s something the area hasn’t seen too often, so it’s good to come back and see some growth in the sport.”
An added bonus was the chance to mix up the Sydney training routine – a point seconded by clubmate Tom Mitchell.
“It breaks up our pre-season, gets us out of Sydney and into the community,” Mitchell said.
“It’s good to see a lot of [the kids] eager to learn and getting into their sport.”
The Swans midfielder was restless to start the new season next week when Sydney plays its first NAB Cup game against Port Adelaide.
“I’m looking to the real games starting,” he said.
“Round one against Collingwood is in about six weeks time.
“I’m keen to get into the start of the year and see where that takes us.”