Sam Naismith Biography

Sam Naismith announces his retirement from the AFL after his return to the top level this year was ruined by yet another serious knee injury.

After starring for Port Melbourne in the VFL last year, Richmond gave him a shot for the 2024 campaign, signing him as back-up ruck to Toby Nankervis, his former Swans teammate.

The 32-year-old played three senior games this year before he unfortunately ruptured his ACL again playing in the VFL in May, ending his season.

Sydney delists Sam Naismith, Ben Ronke and James Bell.

"We thank Ben, James and Sam for their very valuable contributions to our club. They have been popular members of the squad and will always be a part of the Swans family. On behalf of everyone at the Swans, I wish them all the very best for the future," Swans footy boss Charlie Gardiner said.

Sam Naismith is back into skills work at training after his third knee reconstruction.

"The plan was to not play this year and we decided that halfway through last year to give myself the best chance to be able to come back and play," Naismith said.

Sam Naismith is moved to Sydney's inactive list and will sit out the 2022 season as he continues his recovery from a third knee reconstruction.

"Sam is currently five months into a 12-month rehabilitation program, and given this is Sam's third knee reconstruction, we will be taking a conservative approach to maximise his chances of making a full and successful recovery," Swans head of football Charlie Gardiner said.

Sam Naismith will undergo a third knee reconstruction, leaving his football career at the crossroads.

After his latest ACL injury in mid-2020, Naismith had returned to full fitness and played two VFL games in recent weeks but he experienced some instability in his knee.

Investigations over the past fortnight revealed the graft in his knee had failed, and he would need a third knee reconstruction.

Having played just two AFL games since 2017, Naismith is now expected to miss at least the next 15-16 months recovering from his latest surgery.

Sam Naismith signs a new deal to remain with Sydney in 2022.

Sam Naismith is set to miss the rest of the 2020 season after rupturing the ACL in his right knee in the final term of Sydney's clash against the Bulldogs.

Swans coach John Longmire said that the injury was the latest in a series of difficult events for the 27-year-old.

"He's missed two years of footy and comes back and plays round one and plays really well. He lost his sister through that (shutdown) break and then he comes back and does his knee. It's a terrible run for him," Longmire said.

Sydney ruckman Sam Naismith has declared himself ready to go in 2020 after missing the past two seasons through injury.

"I remember towards the end of the year I was telling 'Horse' (Swans coach John Longmire) to put me in because I was pretty confident that I was ready to go and it was hard sitting on the sidelines losing week in and week out and wanting to contribute," Naismith told AAP.

"But I think he was pretty comfortable to say 'just wait.' I know they are excited to have me back and I'm excited to be in there so 2020 is where it's at. I've had a pretty horror run with injuries but that's all behind me now."

Sam Naismith's long wait to return to the field is likely to be delayed again after undergoing a knee arthroscopy.

Swans coach John Longmire says Sam Naismith is expected to return from a knee reconstruction within the opening six weeks of the home and away season.

"He had the knee reconstruction last year and he had a minor cleanout just before Christmas and so that's helped him get through so far," Longmire said.

"We're not pushing him along too hard. He's a significant player for us in the ruck and missed all of last year, so we hope to get him back within that first four to six weeks."

Aliir Aliir receives a unique haircut from Sydney teammate Sam Naismith, a dyed blonde mohawk.

Sam Naismith has put a tough 2018 behind him by re-signing with the Swans until the end of 2021.

Naismith did not play a premiership game in 2018 after rupturing his right anterior cruciate ligament late in the pre-season.

"It's a show of faith that they see me here long-term. That's a really good incentive for me to push myself and really repay the faith," Naismith said.

"My pre-season's pretty much started. I'm ready to get stuck in and hopefully when we come back I'm a few steps ahead of everyone. Then I can join in with the skills and take it from there."

Sam Naismith will miss the entire 2018 season after suffered an ACL injury which will require a knee reconstruction.

"Sam was involved in a fairly routine training drill when his knee twisted, causing a rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament," Swans football manager Tom Harley said.

"While this is an unfortunate injury for Sam, we know he’s an absolute professional when it comes to his preparation and recovery and he will no doubt do everything possible to make sure he recovers from this injury."

Five years ago, the thought of playing football was the furthest thing from Sam Naismith's mind, let alone running out for a Grand Final.

The Sydney Swans ruckman comes from Gunnedah, a country town in NSW dominated by rugby, and played both codes until he was 16.

He was invited to the Swans academy by former coach Paul Roos, drafted as a rookie in 2013 and elevated to the senior list at the end of 2015.

Naismith was named in the senior team in round 16 for just his second game, and the 24-year-old hasn't missed a match since.

"A few years ago I wasn't even planning on playing AFL, let alone playing in a Grand Final, so it's a very exciting experience," Naismith said at the Grand Final parade.

"It's pretty big, and I'm just trying to calm everything down around me before the game."

Despite suffering serious groin and hand injuries, and a bout of glandular fever early in his career, Naismith always believed he could make the senior team, even halfway through this season when the team was dominating.

"Anything was possible. I was confident that I could come into the team and try my hardest to get there. The team were going pretty well, they were top of the ladder, so it's very exciting for me and a few of the other young guys coming through."

Naismith has now strung 11 consecutive games together, an impressive feat considering he has only played 12, with his debut coming back in 2014.

He puts his newfound consistency down to a combination of luck and management.

"I wouldn't say I've cemented my spot in the team, it helped with a few injuries to some of the other big guys, it's just been lucky.

"Perseverance is everything, especially with preparation and recovery, so that's been the key for the last three years while I've been injured."

Sam Naismith makes his AFL debut for Sydney at Stadium Australia with 6 disposals (6 handballs), a mark, 3 tackles and 16 hitouts in a 3-point loss to Richmond.