Gunnedah export makes home visit

The Sydney Swans ruckman was back in his hometown as part of the club’s Community Camp commitments.

Naismith was joined by rookie Sam Fisher for the North West visit which took a series of school visits and clinics.

Standing 206cm, Naismith was certainly the king of the kids at Wolseley Park, a ground he knows so well.

“I always enjoy being back at home,” Naismith said.

“With my footy commitments I don’t get back as much as I’d like to, so when I knew the camp was coming to Gunnedah, I put my hand up to be here.

“It’s exciting being back.”

Naismith grew up as a fan of the two rugby codes before crossing codes to play with the Gunnedah Bulldogs.

He quickly made a splash, finishing in a three-way tie as winner of the Tony Gillies Medal as AFL Tamworth’s league best-and-fairest in 2009 while still at school.

And the love for the Bulldogs remains strong as he watched on while the club began its pre-season campaign under coach Greg Piggott on Monday night.

“I wanted to jump in and join training with the boys,” he joked.

Naismith’s long journey to an overnight success featured some key steps along the way.

He was considering his Australian Rules Football future ahead of moving to Sydney for university when Naismith came under the notice of Paul Roos, then in charge of the Swans academy.

It would be three years before Naismith became the tallest player to don the famous red and white jumper when he debut at AFL level against Richmond in the final round of the 2014 season.

He did not grace senior level in 2015 before a breakthrough year in 2016.

Naismith played 12 games, highlighted by his appearance in Sydney’s grand final loss to the Western Bulldogs.

Making those achievements even more noteworthy was the fact Naismith played under duress.

“I had no AC joint in my shoulder and was also carrying a serious finger injury,” he said.

“They are all fixed up now after operations during the off-season and I’m slowly getting into the swing of things.

“I’m not sure how many games I’ll play in the pre-season, but I reckon I’ll be ready to go for round one.”

Naismith is a wonderful example for the region’s youngsters that you can make it in the big time whether you come from Gunnedah or Geelong, Armidale or Adelaide, Tamworth or Traralgon.

“I’ve been coming home for the past four or five years and noticed that footy is growing here,” he said.

“I came through the Swans academy, got an opportunity on the rookie list and seized it.

“Nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough.”