A newly released interview with Nic Naitanui has shed light on his terrific response to missing out on West Coast’s premiership victory. Naitanui sat out the entire 2017 season recovering from an ACL injury before his return this year was cut short in July by a second tear. The 28-year-old became the ‘highest-paid ruck coach’ in the league, according to Eagles coach Adam Simpson, and was a key cog behind the scenes as Scott Lycett and Nathan Vardy contributed to the flag.
Naitanui did not go into hiding following the game, sharing videos of Luke Shuey celebrating with a shoey and playing hide and seek in the middle of photos as the Eagles toasted their win. But while a game-day role on the bench helped Naitanui feel involved, his teammates were just as crucial to how he reacted after the win. “I can probably say it on air now. Jack Redden yesterday was like ‘that’s alright, mate, you can take a photo for your Instagram with my medal tomorrow night’,” Naitanui said from the rooms in a post-game interview that never made it to air on the day. “Luke Shuey said I can wear one of his medals when he wins the Norm Smith and he ends up winning it! “I don’t know, I don’t look for pity or sympathy. I just like to make sure the boys are happy, and they do the same as well. They show a lot of respect.”
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