Former Sydney ruckman Sam Naismith is the latest ex-AFL player to land at VFL side Port Melbourne this off-season, with the 206cm-tall ex-Swan signing with the Borough for the 2023 season.
Naismith was delisted by Sydney after nine years with the Bloods, where he played just the 30 matches at AFL level due to a devasting battle with injuries.
The 30-year-old, who last played an AFL game in Round 4 of the 2020 season, was required to undergo surgery ahead of this season on a troublesome knee, forcing Naismith onto the Swans' inactive list before he was not offered a new deal.
The North Shore product is now hoping the worst of his injury troubles are behind him, looking to continue his football career in the VFL with Port Melbourne.
The Borough confirmed Naishmith's signature on Tuesday, with football boss Glenn Balmforth expressing his delight with the addition of the ex-AFL ruckman.
โSam trained with us earlier in the pre-season and you could tell straight away it was going to be a good fit for both,โ Balmforth said in a club statement.
โHe is a quality player and person who will have a huge impact on our midfield. He will also bring a wealth of knowledge from his 9 years in the AFL system and in particular a quality environment at the Sydney Swans that will be valuable for our group.โ
Naismith joins a handful of ex-AFL players in heading to ETU Stadium for next season, with former Demon Fraser Rosman, ex-Tiger Will Martyn and delisted Bomber Tom Hird all joining the Borough this off-season.
Port Melbourne finished 16th on the VFL ladder this year, recording seven wins from their 18 matches.
