Will former Sydney ruckman Sam Naismith earn an AFL lifeline at this year’s Mid-Season Draft?
Channel Seven reporter Mitch Cleary is fairly certain of it if the 30-year-old’s form continues at the VFL level for Port Melbourne.
From two matches so far with the Borough, Naismith is averaging a hopping 52 hitouts a game on top of 3.5 tackles, 0.5 goals and 8 disposals.
Given Naismith has already flagged an interest to “attack the Mid-Season Draft” if his body holds up, Cleary believes there’ll be a club ready to snap the 30-gamer up if he continues performing for Port Melbourne.
“Can I put a name out there? You know I love the mid-season Draft,” Cleary told the Tradies Podcast.
“You’ve heard about this man, Sam Naismith from Sydney who did his ACL on multiple occasions, he’s playing for Port Melbourne at the moment.
“He is the best ruckman in my opinion outside the AFL.
“There will be a club ready to snap him up if his form continues until the mid-season.
“That’s my two bobs on the mid-season Draft.”
With Naismith likely to head to a contending side given his age and ready-made profile, Cleary was asked whether a club like Collingwood could be interested given both Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox are currently out injured.
“It could well be (Collingwood),” Cleary said.
“That’s if Darcy Cameron isn’t back at the time.”
At this stage Collingwood’s only recognised available ruckman is Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Oscar Steene, with the Magpies unwilling to hand the teenager a debut as he continues to develop his game.
Cameron is expected to return closer to Round 10 as he recovers from an MCL injury while Cox is at least two weeks away as he battles a hematoma.
Photo: @PortMelbourneFC Twitter.