Delisted Sydney ruckman Sam Naismith is hoping to receive an AFL lifeline in 2023.
The 205cm tall played just 30 games across nine years with the Swans, but proved a quality AFL player when his body allowed.
Despite undergoing three ACL reconstructions during his time in Sydney, Naismith says there’s been some talk of him continuing at a rival club for a tenth season at the level.
While Naismith is hopeful, he understands he’ll have to wait until this month’s drafts are complete to learn if there’s any landing spot available for him.
“There’s been a bit of talk,” Naismith told SEN WA Breakfast.
“But at the end of the day, by the time I was cut by Sydney, clubs had pretty much organised their lists.
“They’re just looking to see what happens after the draft and then rookie draft and whatnot.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go from my position on the Swans’ list back onto their rookie list because I was inactive for a little while.”
Naismith says if he’s not immediately picked up, his plan is to return to state-league football and make his way back to the top level through the mid-season draft.
“Hopefully something comes up,” Naismith said.
“But if it doesn’t, I’ll play in a state league and hopefully attack that mid-season draft.”
While Naismith hails from New South Wales, he has significant connections out west with his partner the sister of West Coast defender Tom Barrass.
When asked whether he’d consider an opportunity to join the Eagles’ WAFL program with hopes of joining the senior list mid-season, Naismith said he is “more than happy” to go down that path with any club.
“It’s good enough to talk about it that way,” Naismith said.
“If a club wants to do that, I’m more than happy to go down that path, but an opportunity has to be there.”
Naismith last played senior football in Round 4 of the 2020 season.