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Naitanui not expecting to be No.1

By Matt Burgan 2:42 PM Wed 01 October, 2008

HIGHLY-touted Western Australian draft prospect Nick Naitanui says he is not expecting to play an AFL match in 2009.

The outstanding 197cm tall athlete, who was born in NSW and is of Fijian origin, indicated he is looking to hone his craft via state-league competitions next season, rather than stepping straight into the AFL.

"I'm not really expecting to play a game, just have some fun," Naitanui said at the NAB AFL Draft Camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra on Wednesday.

"It wouldn't fuss me. I think playing a game in your first year is a bonus. To get one you're lucky."

Naitanui, who is one of the most talked about talents in this year's draft pool, said he wants to further his ruck work, skills and physical game next year. But he added playing in positions, other than the ruck, during the second half of 2008 was beneficial.

"It's been a good experience, learning a lot. I've played at full-back and on the wing and up forward, so just to have those strings to your bow are going to be good," he said.

Naitanui, who has been touted as a No.1 draft pick, was asked if he needed to sell himself as the best in the business.

"I don't think I should be the No.1 draft pick. Everyone's here to prove themselves and they're all here to do their job and everyone wants to do their best … everyone is just trying to prove to every club they're worthy of being drafted," he said.

"I've just been out there and done my thing every week and the media created that hype, so I just want to do my best for the club and carry on the way I have been."

Although Naitanui hinted he would rather remain in Perth, he said he had no problems about leaving the west, if drafted elsewhere.

"It's not really a factor. I don't really mind if I have to leave home, but then again, it'll be good to stay at home as well," Naitanui said.

The Collingwood supporter is also delighted Fijian-born Port Adelaide cousins David Rodan and Alipate Carlile are heading to the pacific nation to spread the AFL word.

"David Rodan and Carlile from Port Adelaide are heading over there at the end of the year and they're trying to pump up football in Fiji. Rugby is pretty big over there and it's good for the country and it sounds good," he said.

"I'm abnormal in my family. Everyone is short and stocky and I came out a bit wrong – a bit tall and skinny. I didn't really fit the rugby mould, so footy was the way to go."

Looks like Naitanui has got a good head on him, which is always a good sign for someone coming into the AFL

Lock it in, Eddie!! I think it would be great to see him on no 9! does not mean he lives in Neitzs shadow only that we rate him as high as Neitz! Hopefully he to can be a great leader at our club. Would love to see him play atleast 6 games! Could very well start in the midfield rotating in the pocket , similar to bate in his first year. Would love for him to get somer games up against the Super clubs on MFC's big days to get him used to playing on big occasions.

Say hello to 'Luke Molan - The Sequel'.

Luckily Barry Prendergast has a clue and will take Naitanui.

mate please dont put those things on a player that has not even been drafted yet.

Being a dee supporter i would of thought u would barrack for whoever we draft as he will be a big part of our team for years to come.

Say hello to 'Luke Molan - The Sequel'.

Luckily Barry Prendergast has a clue and will take Naitanui.

ur a joke mate

I don't really care who we draft as long as he becomes a superstar and a match winner for the Demons.

The MFC desperately needs star players!

Thought he sounded like a Melbourne player in that article, hopefully it's only a matter of time before he is.

I think its a real shame that the # 5 is not available, because i have a real feeling this kid could be our next Ox minus the injuries. CHF who can take pack marks, kick goals and show some leadership

Was great to see JAck watts talk up our list today and say that he be only to happy to become a demon, even though he knows he will be, its still great to hear..

A straw ool taken today of the recruiters had 14 out of 16 Nominate Watts as their choice for no.1 pick, he just keeps rising and rising, get excited people, this is the best draft since 01', and were primed to select the best KPP porspect since Riewoldt, how about some enthusiasm!!

Lets hope Sidebottom can slip to 17, its a chance!

Was great to see JAck watts talk up our list today and say that he be only to happy to become a demon, even though he knows he will be, its still great to hear..

A straw ool taken today of the recruiters had 14 out of 16 Nominate Watts as their choice for no.1 pick, he just keeps rising and rising, get excited people, this is the best draft since 01', and were primed to select the best KPP porspect since Riewoldt, how about some enthusiasm!!

Lets hope Sidebottom can slip to 17, its a chance!

Who did the straw ool?

Sorry couldn't resist, seriously though who did the poll and how did you get the info?

Yee har! There's gold in them thar hills! Ah heh heh heh heh heh!

Excited enough? Do you reckon he'll get many games in Red and Blue next year, or will he be more of a late developer?

Yee har! There's gold in them thar hills! Ah heh heh heh heh heh!

Excited enough? Do you reckon he'll get many games in Red and Blue next year, or will he be more of a late developer?

he's a bit thin, but it didn't stop Morton.

I reckon Bailey is the type to give him a shot.

Remember Nathan Burke saying he's a good teacher and that he'd love to have played for him?

I don't know how, but in my head that somehow translates to me that Watts will play a few games at least. Don't ask.

Yee har! There's gold in them thar hills! Ah heh heh heh heh heh!

Excited enough? Do you reckon he'll get many games in Red and Blue next year, or will he be more of a late developer?

Very unlikely to play next year, may sneak a couple in..

Watts is LONG TERm peple, so pls, go easy, save the hate mongering for 2 years at least.

He is seen as being a 3-4 development player, with a MASSIVE end result!

Only in yr 11!!

As for the straw poll, just a journo who went around and asked, simple really..

Very unlikely to play next year, may sneak a couple in..

Watts is LONG TERm peple, so pls, go easy, save the hate mongering for 2 years at least.

He is seen as being a 3-4 development player, with a MASSIVE end result!

Only in yr 11!!

As for the straw poll, just a journo who went around and asked, simple really..

Not bad, just went around the entire country in one day and asked all of the recruiting managers.

Fair effort.

Not bad, just went around the entire country in one day and asked all of the recruiting managers.

Fair effort.

They are all in Canberra for the draft camp Jarka.

Was there a clip on the news of him saying something?

If so could i view it on the net somewherE?

They are all in Canberra for the draft camp Jarka.

Do you honestly believe that our recruiting manager will tell a journo today who he thinks is the number 1 pick?

Point taken on the draft camp though, I forgot that it was this week, I just find it hard to believe.

Was there a clip on the news of him saying something?

If so could i view it on the net somewherE?

There was on ch10..

Watch sports tonight!

Very unlikely to play next year, may sneak a couple in..

Watts is LONG TERm peple, so pls, go easy, save the hate mongering for 2 years at least.

He is seen as being a 3-4 development player, with a MASSIVE end result!

Only in yr 11!!

As for the straw poll, just a journo who went around and asked, simple really..

Should not be nominating for draft. Too young IMO. Can see why AFL is changing the rules.

Should not be nominating for draft. Too young IMO. Can see why AFL is changing the rules.

hardly...heaps of players have been picked up in year 11

he is fairly old for year 11 i think

addam maric, xavier ellis and tom macnamara are all players who have been picked up recently in year 11

i'd take a punt that we refused to answer that straw poll, if indeed took place.

Very unlikely to play next year, may sneak a couple in..

Watts is LONG TERm peple, so pls, go easy, save the hate mongering for 2 years at least.

He is seen as being a 3-4 development player, with a MASSIVE end result!

Only in yr 11!!

As for the straw poll, just a journo who went around and asked, simple really..

so if after 3 years at the club he has 16 games, 23 goals, and a mark of the year under his belt, would you be happy with his progress?

Seems like he is heading our way. I can live with that, would love Nik Nat but he is not a sure thing either.

As long as Watts has the potential be a superstar, he is worth the #1 pick.

hardly...heaps of players have been picked up in year 11

he is fairly old for year 11 i think

addam maric, xavier ellis and tom macnamara are all players who have been picked up recently in year 11

Your right, heaps have. To what end. Ellis played school footy for a year, McNamara a year in the Sandy 2's, Maric mostly Sandy 2's and 1's and a couple in the MFC ones (showed a little, admitedly). Newton was extremely young when drafted; he plays like it.

Why not wait another year? You could say yr10 kids are fair game for the draft. You have to draw a line somewhere. I say 18yr old it is (18 in year of trade - ed).

He WILL be 18 next year. He is most likely just an older year 11.