Richmond have announced the signing of delisted free agent and former Sydney ruckman Sam Naismith.
After losing second-string ruckman Ivan Soldo to Port Adelaide earlier this month through the trade period, the Tigers have moved quickly to add experience to their ruck stocks.
Naismith was delisted by the Swans at the end of last year after 30 games and nine years with the New South Wales side, having battled a number of injury setbacks related to his hampered knees.
The 31-year-old spent this year plying his trade for VFL club Port Melbourne, where he would average 14 disposals and 37 hitouts per game in 14 matches for the Borough to be among the competition's premier ruckmen.
His strong season at the state league level has seen Naismith earn another chance in the top flight, with the Tigers signing Naismith on the opening day of the 2023 delisted free agency period.
"I'm super excited. It was an opportunity that I didn't think was going to happen, and I think my last five years of working really hard to get back to this position is paying off now," Naismith said in a club statement.
"Everyone that has supported me over the last few years, it's been pretty tough times through that journey and this just validates everything that I've worked hard for during that time.
"The finish line is not done, I'm keen to attack pre-season and meet everyone and I just want to get a game.
"As soon as the season started, I was super keen to just get back on an AFL list and prove that I'm ready to get back.
"Once I stepped on the field and started playing, I just enjoyed the process. Finding the love for the game again through Port Melbourne, I had so much fun especially with the group there... When you're happy, you play your best footy, and I found solace in that.
"I've learnt a lot of stuff about my body and I'm in a position now where I know what works for me and I'm feeling fit and strong."
Naismith will now link up with ex-teammate and Richmond co-captain Toby Nankervis in Adem Yze's ruck ranks from 2024, offering further tutelage to emerging tall Samson Ryan in the process.
