Nic Naitanui facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nic Naitanui |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Naitanui playing for West Coast in April 2018
|
|||
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Nicholas Naitanui | ||
| Nickname(s) | Nic Nat | ||
| Date of birth | 4 May 1990 | ||
| Place of birth | Penrith, New South Wales | ||
| Original team | Swan Districts (WAFL) | ||
| Draft | No. 2, 2008 national draft | ||
| Position(s) | Ruck | ||
| Career highlights | |||
|
|||
Nicholas Naitanui (born 4 May 1990) is a famous former Australian rules football player. He played for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). Nic was born in Sydney to parents from Fiji. His family later moved to Perth, Western Australia.
Growing up in Midvale, Nic went to Governor Stirling Senior High School. He played football for the Midvale Junior Football Club. He also played for Western Australia in the Under-18 Championships. In 2008, he played for the Swan Districts Football Club in the WAFL. The West Coast Eagles chose Nic as the second pick in the 2008 National Draft.
Nic made his AFL debut for West Coast in 2009. He played ten games in his first year. In his second season, he played every game as a ruckman. He was nominated for the AFL Rising Star award. In 2012, he was named in the All-Australian team. He was the first player of Fijian heritage to achieve this.
Contents
Nic Naitanui's Early Life
Nic Naitanui was born on 4 May 1990 in Penrith, New South Wales. He has a twin brother named Mark. His parents, Bola and Atetha, came to Australia from Fiji. Nic's father sadly passed away when Nic and Mark were very young.
After his father's death, Nic's mother moved the family to Perth, Western Australia. Her brother lived there. Nic grew up in Midvale. He started playing football at age nine for the Midvale Junior Football Club. Many other future AFL players, like Shane Yarran, Michael Walters, Chris Yarran, David Ellard, and Jeff Garlett, also played with Nic at Midvale.
Nic went to Governor Stirling Senior High School. He played football there and for the Swan Districts Colts team. He mostly played as a ruckman. But he also played on the wing or at full-back. Nic was also good at basketball and track and field, especially high jump.
Becoming a Top Prospect
In 2007, Nic was amazing in the Under-18 AFL National Championships. He was named the best player in the final game. Many AFL clubs wanted him. However, he was too young for the 2007 AFL draft.
He was named in the Under-18 All-Australian Team in both 2007 and 2008. He also received a scholarship to join the AIS/AFL Academy Squad. Nic was invited to the 2008 AFL Draft Camp. He impressed everyone with his athletic skills. He even equaled a running vertical jump record! Many people thought he would be the number one pick in the 2008 AFL Draft.
Nic Naitanui's AFL Career
Starting with the West Coast Eagles
The West Coast Eagles picked Nic Naitanui as the second player in the 2008 AFL Draft. He was given the number 9 guernsey. This number was worn by former captain Ben Cousins. Nic's first senior game was on 13 June 2009 against Richmond.
He had a small setback with knee surgery before the season. But he played well in the WAFL. He had 15 possessions, 21 hit-outs, 4 goals, and took a spectacular mark. This earned him a spot in the AFL team.
His first AFL game was impressive. He showed off his amazing athletic ability. In his second game, he kicked three goals in the final quarter. This helped his team win against Hawthorn.
In 2010, Nic was nominated for the AFL Rising Star award. He won the West Coast's Rookie of the Year Award. He also finished fifth in the Club Champion Award. In 2012, Nic was named the starting ruckman in the All-Australian Team.
Memorable Moments and Injuries
In 2013, Nic took an amazing mark against North Melbourne. He then kicked a goal after the siren to win the game by 2 points! This was a very exciting moment. He played his 100th AFL game in 2014 against the Gold Coast Suns.
In 2016, Nic kicked a winning goal with only 4 seconds left against the GWS Giants. But in the next game, he sadly tore his ACL (a knee ligament). This meant he missed the rest of the 2016 season. He also missed the entire 2017 season while recovering.
In 2018, Nic tore the ACL in his other knee. This happened during a game against the Collingwood Magpies. He missed the rest of the 2018 season. The West Coast Eagles went on to win the 2018 AFL premiership without him.
Return and Retirement
After almost a year, Nic returned to AFL football in 2019. In 2020, he had his first full season in four years. He earned All-Australian honors again as the starting ruckman. On 19 October 2020, Nic won his first John Worsfold Medal. This award is for the club's best and fairest player. He won it again in 2021. He also made the All-Australian team again in 2021.
In August 2023, Nic Naitanui announced he was retiring from the AFL. He had not played any games in the 2023 season.
Nic Naitanui's Personal Life
In August 2022, Nic got engaged to his partner, Brittany Bown. In October of the same year, they welcomed their first child, a son. They were expecting a daughter in November 2023.
In September 2024, Nic Naitanui became the number one ticket holder for the Perth Wildcats basketball team.
Nic Naitanui in the Media
Nic Naitanui was featured in a documentary TV series called Making Their Mark in 2021. This show followed several AFL clubs, players, and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nic and Eddie Betts were filmed a lot, showing what life was like for them during that time.
Images for kids
-
Naitanui playing for West Coast in April 2018
