Sam Naismith

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Knee nobbles Naismith

Knee issues delayed Sam Naismith's preseason but he's increasing his workload and is back to completing full skill sessions with the main group as of late January. The big Swan hasn't played since 2017 after an ACL rupture ruled him out for the entirety of the 2018 season. Back then, he averaged 59 with five scores above 70 from 13 matches.
With a full preseason under his belt, Naismith will be banging on the door for the number one ruck spot - watch out, Callum Sinclair. Keep an eye on how the ruck division is arranged in the lead-up matches. Neither is a formidable fantasy ruck but a late-round pick for the preferred ruckman would provide good depth.

Knee nobbles Naismith

Knee issues delayed Sam Naismith's preseason but he's increasing his workload and is back to completing full skill sessions with the main group as of late January. The big Swan hasn't played since 2017 after an ACL rupture ruled him out for the entirety of the 2018 season. Back then, he averaged 59 with five scores above 70 from 13 matches.
With a full preseason under his belt, Naismith will be banging on the door for the number one ruck spot - watch out, Callum Sinclair. Keep an eye on how the ruck division is arranged in the lead-up matches. Neither is a formidable fantasy ruck but a late-round pick for the preferred ruckman would provide good depth.

Nay on Naismith

A preseason ACL injury turned Sam Naismith’s 2018 into a write-off. Callum Sinclair capitalised on Naismith’s absence, grabbing the No.1 ruck spot with both hands and excelling. He’s still dealing with the knee issue and has sat out sessions in the preseason.
Unfortunately for Naismith, like Darcy Cameron, he will start down the pecking order behind Sinclair. A career-high average of 63 is not good enough to justify consideration, especially when combined with injury and selection factors. It’s a big pass on Naismith.

Nay on Naismith

With injuries to his fellow big men, Sam Naismith was given the most opportunities of his career in 2017 for 13 games including taking main ruck duties in both of Sydney’s finals. With grunt and presence, he can win a high number of hit outs without making a significant impact around the ground.
Once again, Naismith will be third in line for ruck duties and will likely start in the NEAFL. With the Swans' ruck brigade no strangers to injury, he will almost certainly play at some stage and you could do worse for bench cover if you draft Kurt Tippett.