Australian Football

Chris Naish was a highly creative forward who enjoyed a highly promising junior career before being drafted by Richmond. After playing just four games in his debut season of 1990 he became a regular from the following year. As a youngster growing up in Wangaratta he had idolised Collingwood star Peter Daicos, and in style and general approach he was not dissimilar to his hero. Considered too slight of build to play in midfield, he bedded down on a half forward flank as though the position had been made for him, leading a succession of highly regarded opponents a merry dance in the process.

Between 1990 and 1997 he played 143 AFL games and kicked 212 goals, with his form only wavering in his final season when he played quite a bit of reserves football, including captaining the side to a premiership.

His mediocre 1997 campaign notwithstanding it was still something of a surprise when the Tigers permitted him to transfer to Port Adelaide, who looked on the transaction as something of a coup. After a steady debut season he was cruelly undermined by hamstring problems and reluctantly called time on a noteworthy and often eye-catching, if comparatively brief, career. His time with the Power saw him add 18 games and 16 goals to his respective career tallies. He also made 14 appearances and kicked 16 goals in the SANFL for North Adelaide when not selected for Port.

Author - John Devaney