Richmond ruck recruit Sam Naismith had a profound impact in just one season at VFL club Port Melbourne, both on and off the field.
The former Sydney ruckman, who joined Port Melbourne this year, impressed the Borough’s coach Adam Skrobalak with his attitude from the time he arrived at the club.
Skrobalak, an assistant coach with St Kilda before taking the coaching reins at Port, sang Naismith’s praises in the lead-up to the AFL’s mid-season rookie draft.
“He has come down here and just worked his butt off and shown he is definitely up to it, not just at stoppage but around the ground,” Skrobalak said.
“He’s been fantastic for us so far . . . he has really led the way as a leader.
“He’s very physical, tackles very, very hard.
“Any AFL club that sees his ability not only to win hit-outs and clearances, but to follow up and help your smalls, I think he can slot in no problem at all.”
Last week, when the Tigers secured Naismith’s services as a delisted free agent, Skrobalak again paid tribute to Naismith.
“Sam bought into Port Melbourne from day one,” Skrobalak said.
“Good things happen to good people.
“You have a ripper, Richmond.”
