FORMER BULLDOG HOPING TO TAKE FLIGHT WITH SWANS

Gunnedah’s Sam Naismith believes 2016 is the year he makes his mark in the AFL with the Sydney Swans.

The 23-year-old inked a new three year deal last year, despite having played just one game at the senior level.

After battling injury in 20-15, the towering ruckman is looking forward to returning to training.

“Should be right to join in skills on Friday and hopefully take it from there and get in some work with the other big boys.”

Naismith says while Sydney has become his new base, he still keeps in contact with supporters back home.

“Still get a few messages here and there about the people back home. They just, yeah, encourage me on. So it’s good to hear from them.”

(VISION ACCOMPANIED BY AUDIO IN PART ONLY.)