New footage reveals Naitanui's class after missing flag

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.

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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.”

While Naitanui’s return date is up in the air, he is already looking forward to playing a part in more success – even if he’s filling an off-field role.

“It’s awesome for the boys,” he added.

“I think Simmo said last week I’m the highest-paid ruck coach and a bit overpaid, so if we can get them a couple more of these they can keep saying that.

“But I’m happy for the boys. Guys like Mark LeCras, Josh Kennedy, some of my really close mates, to see them play for so long and get one of these, it means a lot.”

Naitanui was one of four West Coast stalwarts to miss out on the grand final.

Eric Mackenzie never played in the AFL this year and announced his immediate retirement in September due to ongoing foot problems, while Andrew Gaff was serving his suspension for punching Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw.

Brad Sheppard was the closest to going all the way but injured a hamstring in the Eagles’ win over Collingwood in the qualifying final.

While those three players watched from the stands, Naitanui overcame the emotional toll of his injury to play a game-day role from the bench.

“I’ve had (a numbness) there for a while. Not playing any game is big but this one probably hurts a little bit more,” he said.

“But for me to see the emotion and the happiness on some of those guys’ faces, it takes away all that.

“But yeah I put it into perspective with anything in life, as I always have. Hopefully the boys don’t drink too much and we can go back-to-back.”

Naitanui said his bench tasks allowed him to remain mentally involved in the ebb and flow of the game.

“I’ll obviously be sad at some point, seeing the replays of the guys carrying on over the next few weeks or so, but it is what it is,” he said.

Cameras filmed Gaff crying in the aftermath, and Sheppard conceded he struggled throughout grand final day.

He had a panic attack in the first five minutes and missed part of the first quarter to calm himself down in the MCG toilets.

“I’m quite numb, to be honest with you,” Sheppard told the West Australian.

“Seeing your best mates win a flag and not being a part of it … I’m so happy with the job they’ve done, but shattered I can’t be a part of it.

“I love the footy club and all the boys and to see their success now I’m really happy and wish I was there.”