Fisher at home in the West

Swan Districts recruit Sam Fisher is enjoying life in Perth, as he strives for a second chance at AFL level.

The 22 year old spent a season on Sydney’s rookie list in 2017 before being delisted, spending 2018 and 2019 with now defunct VFL club Northern Blues where he finished runner up in the best and fairest in both seasons and made the VFL team of the year in 2019.

Having initially signed with Swans last December, Fisher made an immediate impression on debut against West Perth on Saturday, winning a game high 29 disposals in the eight point defeat.

While disappointed with the loss, Fisher told Sports Drive on Wednesday there were plenty of positives ahead of their round two match against Claremont.

“It was a bit of a frustrating weekend for us, we’ve got high hopes going in to this season and are trying to improve on last year,” he said.

“I think we showed a lot of good signs, particularly in the third quarter. I think the most frustrating part for us was how we subsided in that last quarter and I think that’s an area we can improve on going in to this weekend against Claremont.”

Canberra born Fisher was happy with his performance but said his efforts mirrored that of his team.

“I was pretty happy with my first three quarters, and it was good to play well in the competition in the first round and have a bit of positive reinforcement that I can compete at the level,” he said.

“I think I faded out a bit in the last quarter, similar to a lot of my teammates. Going forward in to next week and the next few weeks that’s probably the area personally and as a team we would like to improve.”

Fisher said the move to the Black Ducks was done with an eye towards getting back in to the AFL system.

“The opportunity to play in the WAFL, it’s obviously a highly regarded comp not only in Perth but looking in from the outer. I think it was just a good opportunity for a change of scenery,” he said.

“The opportunity to perform and improve myself on big grounds I suppose. My ultimate goal is to get re-drafted, as is probably the case for a lot of WAFL players.”

Fisher has been joined in Perth by former Northern Blues team mates Frank Anderson and Deven Costigan, making the move easier from over east.

“All three of us decided to make the move over. It was a pretty attractive as well with the weather and the beaches, and then obviously the challenge to improve Swan Districts from last year going forward.” He said.

Having been spat out of the AFL system at just 19, Fisher says he feels like he’s now better placed to make his mark at the highest level, if afforded the opportunity.

“Looking back, when I did get delisted from Sydney I was definitely disappointed, but I felt a bit hard done by,” he said.

“I think looking back now the last two or three years have got me prepared for the realities of AFL football and the rigours I suppose, as well as the level you have to play to.

“I think that experience and the drive I’ve had to show the last two or three years has got me in much better stead, so that if I do get back on an AFL list I can cement my spot for a longer period than I was on the Swans list for.”

With his first game at WAFL level now under his belt, Fisher has set his sights on going head to head with Claremont’s star studded midfield at Claremont Oval, with the Tigers boasting the likes of Kane Mitchell, Jye Bolton and the possible return of Declan Mountford.

“I’ve obviously heard a fair bit about all three of them, they’ve obviously had great success in the competition over the last couple of years,” Fisher said.

“For me, Frank (Anderson) and Josh Cipro in the Swans midfield it’s going to be a massive challenge, but all three of us are confident going in to the battle and we’re going to have to play well to get on top of those three.”

With Swans 0-1 with matches against 2019 Grand Finalists Subiaco and South Fremantle to follow, Fisher said his side recognised the significance of the match against Claremont.

“It’s pivotal, 100%. We have to play a consistent game of four quarters this weekend to give us our best hope,” he said.

“We can’t look too far ahead to Subiaco and South Fremantle. I think everyone understands the importance of Saturday. Only being an eight game season, if we go 0-2 or 0-3 it would make it very hard to aspire for finals.

“Everyone at the club understands that this weekend is very significant in the way our season plays out.”

You can hear Claremont and Swan Districts at Claremont Oval on Saturday from 2:00 PM on 91.3 Sport FM.

IMAGE: Swan Districts FC website.