AFL State of Origin 2020: John Longmire wants Nat Fyfe and Nic Naitanui for bushfire fundraiser
John Longmire admits Lance Franklin’s injury has robbed him of a certain starter for his All Star side to face Victoria, but a lengthy queue of top talent is already hammering on his door.
Sydney
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Nat Fyfe and Nic Naitanui shape as the linchpins of John Longmire’s All Stars team after he admitted Lance Franklin’s injury blow had robbed him of a certain starter for the bushfire appeal charity match.
Franklin, who underwent knee surgery after suffering an injury on New Year’s Eve, watched on as the Swans reported back for their first training session of 2020 on Friday.
The club estimate 10 weeks before Franklin is able to resume full training, leaving him in a race to make Round 1 of the AFL season, but no chance for the bushfire fundraiser State of Origin game against Victoria at Marvel Stadium on February 28.
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Longmire, who said it was a privilege to be asked to lead the All Star team, has already starting on his playing list for the clash with a lengthy queue of other top talent already desperate to be involved.
Although he was not prepared to name all those banging on his door or filling his phone, said he was being lobbied by potential recruits.
“I would say that he (Franklin) might have been some sneaky chance of finding his way into the forward line at some point,” Longmire smiled.
“I actually said to him you might be a chance of coming back a bit earlier than what we predicted. It was even one of the reasons he was disappointed, he said that would have been great thing to be a part of. It’s unfortunate for Lance. He was absolutely flying before Christmas.”
When pressed for potential names, Longmire again smiled and said: “Naitanui and Fyfe doesn’t sound too bad.
“I’ve had a slight look (at possible names) and a sneaky peak and started to throw a few magnets around. You can’t help but have a bit of a look. You can’t help but let your mind wander.
“But I’m sure there’s a few players starting to lobby here (at the Swans). It’ll be interesting to see what goes on. I might have to handball the selection across to someone else.
“There’s a few already putting their foot forward, don’t worry about that. There’s great support across the whole playing industry for this. They all want to be involved.
Phil Davis at the Giants has already put his hand up to play with GWS skipper Stephen Coniglio another potential pick for Longmire.
“I’m just thrilled to be able to have some small part in trying to help people that are going through some really tough times,” Longmire said.
“I don’t think there’s many people that haven’t been touched, or know people that have been touched, throughout the country in some way shape or form. Everyone’s got a story about it.”
Longmire expects the game against Victoria to be played in the right spirit but with a competitive edge.
The Swans are adamant that every member of the Moore Park squad will be made available for selection, fitness permitting.
“Subject to us being comfortable that the players selected are properly prepared and available at the right stage in their pre-season to take in the game, we won’t stand in the way of any players playing,” Swans head of football Charlie Gardiner told The Daily Telegraph.
As for club business, Longmire was delighted to have so many faces on the track for day one of 2020.
“First day back but really strong numbers,” he said. “We know we’ve got a bit of work to do but there’s some really good signs so far.”
DAVIS PUTS HAND UP FOR ORIGIN
Giants defender Phil Davis has issued a “come and get me” plea to Swans coach John Longmire.
But before GWS fans press the panic button, there’s no question of the 29-year-old swapping orange and charcoal for red and white.
Longmire was named as coach of the All Stars side to take on a Victorian side in a State of Origin clash at Marvel Stadium on February 28.
Funds raised from the game will help rebuild football facilities lost in the current bushfire disaster and Davis is among the many current AFL stars anxious to play a part.
Davis, until recently the Giants’ long-standing co-captain alongside Callan Ward, tweeted: “Let’s do it” when the Origin idea was first mooted and he would love to link up with Longmire – if selected.
“I have always loved the history associated with State of Origin,” Davis told The Daily Telegraph.
“This is a slightly modified version but it’s very exciting for it to be back on the calendar. Even better is the fact that it is for a cause that we as a community care so deeply about. I know the players as a whole are excited about the opportunity to play in it.
“I will definitely be putting my hand up and hoping to get picked even as a bench warmer if need be.
“If I have the opportunity to play it will be great to be coached by one of the great modern day coaches in John.”
Selection details have yet to be announced but there will be a maximum of three players per club eligible to take part.
It means Longmire could have both Swans and Giants at his disposal while also potentially facing one or more of his own stars.
While the injured Lance Franklin won’t be available to play, Longmire could be tempted to call on the likes of Dane Rampe and Isaac Heeney for the All Stars.
Should he select Davis, other GWS options at Longmire’s disposal include Perth-born Stephen Coniglio and Narrendera product Zac Williams.
Originally published as AFL State of Origin 2020: John Longmire wants Nat Fyfe and Nic Naitanui for bushfire fundraiser