Richmond captain Toby Nankervis laughs off options the sight of Sam Naismith strolling within the door at Richmond may need given him chills.
Naismith’s maintain on a ruck spot at Sydney, in fact, was a major a part of the explanation Nankervis left the Harbour City looking for larger alternatives seven years in the past.
History exhibits the transfer paid off in spades, with Nankervis enjoying a key function in three premierships in a golden interval for the Tigers, earlier than taking on the captaincy.
The unfortunate Naismith, in the meantime, endured three knee reconstructions all through an injury-riddled decade at Sydney.
He spent final 12 months within the VFL with Port Melbourne, earlier than becoming a member of Richmond as a delisted free agent final month.
The 31-year-old’s arrival will add some stress for spots among the many Tigers’ massive males, however Nankervis has welcomed the recruit with open arms.
“He’s a great fella and we’ve got a great relationship, and it’s funny how footy works sometimes,” Nankervis advised reporters on Wednesday.
“He’s really keen to play, Sam. He’s not here to play VFL, he wants to play AFL.
“So he is actually hungry and we’re wanting ahead to seeing what he can do.
“It’s been really competitive (at training) and we’re close off the field, but we’re really pushing ourselves out on the training track.”
Naismith, who performed simply 30 video games over 10 seasons with Sydney, successfully replaces Ivan Soldo at Richmond after the latter was traded to Port Adelaide.
The inexperienced Samson Ryan and Ben Miller are the Tigers’ different ruck choices.
“I think (competition) is a really healthy thing and in the ruck environment there are limited spots in the team,” Nankervis mentioned.
“It’s great because it makes us all better. You never want to get comfortable in any role and I’ve never been comfortable, so I’m looking forward to the challenge again.”
Star ahead Tom Lynch remains to be no certainty to be obtainable for the beginning of the 2024 season after a damaged foot restricted him to simply 4 video games this 12 months.
Lynch is focusing on a rise to his coaching hundreds in January.
“He’s ticking all the boxes and hasn’t had a setback as far as I know,” Nankervis mentioned.
“They’ll be patient with Tom because we know how important he is for us, but I think he’s going really well.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
