Flying high! Nine magic moments from Nic Nat’s superb career

Glimpse of what’s to return: May 2009

Just weeks earlier than his eventual AFL debut, Naitanui reminded West Coast’s high brass of one of many causes they’d drafted him with a stunningly easy seize at WAFL stage. Playing for Swan Districts towards Peel, Naitanui planted his proper knee into the again of his opponent and landed like a cat on its toes after finishing the mark. He booted 4 targets the very subsequent week earlier than his senior debut, and would play simply 4 extra WAFL video games in his lifetime as he rose to change into an AFL star.

Early assertion: Round 13 2009

There was loads of hype when Naitanui arrived at West Coast, however he wasted no time in assuring followers there was substance behind it and he was greater than only a high-flyer. In simply his second recreation, the 19-year-old booted three final-term targets on a moist night time at Subiaco Oval to show a late-game deficit right into a well-known win. The first of them was merely very good – smothering a Jordan Lewis kick earlier than spinning out of bother and snapping really – and the third one sealed the deal as he sharked a Tom Murphy handpass, ran away from him and dribbled one residence earlier than saluting the group.

Viral dunk: March 2012

The solely time in Naitanui’s profession that he needed to be ‘counselled’ by the membership wasn’t as a consequence of a behaviour misdemeanour, however a tremendous feat of athleticism on the hardwood at Challenge Stadium. Naitanui went viral throughout the nation after being satisfied to return out of the group at a Perth Wildcats recreation and throw down a powerful dunk over MC Aaron Ford. Eagles coach John Worsfold admitted the slam was “pretty impressive” however stated it wouldn’t be repeated.

Point of the 12 months: Round 12 2012

This summed up simply what the large man might do as a lot greater than only a ruckman. Outpointing Carlton’s Robert Warnock because the ball hit the deck at a centre bounce, Naitanui gathered, obtained previous Chris Judd and Bryce Gibbs, handballed to himself to keep away from Brock McLean, tapped the ball out of Heath Scotland’s attain, earlier than loading up on the run from 50m and lacking to left by the narrowest of margins. “That might have been the Goal of the Century,” Seven’s Tim Watson stated on the printed.

Cementing All-Australian: Round 22 2012

Needing to win to maintain their top-four hopes alive within the penultimate spherical of 2012, West Coast had been jumped by Collingwood within the first time period at Subi. Enter Naitanui, who booted a aim within the first 18 seconds out of quarter time and by no means relented to guide the Eagles to a snug win and all however safe the primary of three profession All-Australian nods later that 12 months. Naitanui took 4 contested grabs to go along with 30 hitouts and 17 contested possessions in a starring function.

Post-siren winner: Round 8 2013

Four factors down, 30 seconds left, and Adam Selwood launches an extended ball contained in the 50 as a pack of eight gamers types. Naitanui rose above all of them to pluck a spectacular mark, then composed himself because the siren sounded to regular for the largest kick of his profession up to now. It was by no means lacking, and the large man peeled off to rejoice with some fortunate and equally ecstatic followers within the north-west pocket at Subiaco earlier than being mobbed by teammates.

Mark of the Year: Round 9 2015

Naitanui snared eight Mark of the Round nominations – the second-most of any participant since weekly nods got – however the literal excessive level got here with a seize that was judged the perfect of your complete season in 2015. Getting a run at an extended ball from Josh Kennedy into the ahead pocket, Naitanui launched over Callum Sinclair and Mark Blicavs to succeed in a ridiculous peak earlier than crashing to the Subi turf clutching the ball. “What about the view from up there?!” commentator Anthony Hudson screamed.

Giant match-winner: Round 21 2016

This was one of many extra ridiculous game-winning targets we’ve ever seen. A ball-up deep within the ahead pocket with simply eight seconds left meant nearly your complete GWS crew – clinging to a five-point lead – was seeking to clog up house of their defensive 50. But Naitanui strolled to the ruck contest, and did what he was so good at doing in profitable the contested ball at floor stage. The pick-up and left-foot snap was textbook, and it sparked wild scenes because the Eagles pinched one in every of their most well-known highway wins.

‘Mesmerising’ the Cats: Round 9 2020

“The problem with kicking goals against West Coast is the ball goes back to the middle,” Geelong coach Chris Scott mused after this match, referencing Naitanui’s appreciable affect at centre stoppages. Scott admitted he was “mesmerised” by Naitanui’s sensible all-round exhibiting as he helped the Eagles erased a 16-point half-time deficit and beat the Cats, with a perfectly-plotted ruck faucet to Kennedy for a snapped aim the spotlight.