His freakish ability and almost incomprehensible athleticism have left footy spectators stunned week after week, with some claiming that ‘seeing NicNat in action’ is what’s getting fans through the turnstiles. Pair that with his complete inability to blend in with a crowd, standing at 201cm and sporting those signature braids, and it is virtually impossible for the 22-year-old to walk down the street unrecognised.
During the club’s recent visit to the regional town of Northam, it took Naitanui the better part of an hour to pick up a sandwich for lunch, where he was surrounded by young fans in a spectacle that could only be described as something reminiscent of the Pied Piper.
Putting petrol in his car is almost a day-long process, given the number of punters who will stop him on his way to and from his vehicle for photos, autographs or just general chit-chat.
But what makes Naitanui such a unique individual is that he relishes it. While some might back down from community engagement and appearances once they reach a certain point of public recognition, Naitanui takes delight in it. Sure, it may be tedious at times, especially when all he wants to do is eat his lunch or grab some fuel. But the all-Australian ruckman is yet to turn down an autograph or photo request, always obliging and always with a smile on his face.
He is far from backing away from any community engagement, and is even taking time out to make sure his regional fans get a dose of him.
Naitanui sat down this week to have a Skype conference with students at Newman Senior High School. The students are part of the West Coast Eagles Kicking Goals program, one of Australia’s biggest football-based mentoring programs.
Being almost 1,200km north of Perth means that once the AFL season starts, the players are limited in their opportunities to visit the kids at Newman.
However, Naitanui has ensured these students aren’t deprived of contact with their football heroes, conducting motivational discussions and fielding question-and-answer sessions via Skype.
“It’s part of the Kicking Goals program that we catch up with the kids at Newman,” Naitanui said.
“During the off-season, it’s easy to make the trips, but once the season starts, it’s a bit hard to get away.
“It’s obviously easy for us to jump in the car and visit kids at metro schools, but because WA is such a big place, there are a lot of kids that don’t get the same opportunity.
“And these kids in the Kicking Goals program at Newman are doing really great, so I’m glad we’ve found a way to interact with them, even when we’re physically unable to jump on a plane and make the trip.
“We make about ten trips a year to the kids at Newman Senior High, as well as Hedland Senior High, so it’s really good that we can do this now as well.
“BHP Billiton have been great in helping us set up this Skype business, it wouldn’t be possible without them.”
Learn more about Kicking Goals here.
