Patrick Naish

{{Infobox AFL biography

| name = Patrick Naish

| image = Patrick Naish 26.05.18.jpg

| caption = Naish with Richmond's VFL team in May 2018

| fullname =

| nickname =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1999|01|15|df=yes}}

| birth_place = Adelaide, South Australia

| death_date =

| death_place =

| originalteam = Northern Knights (TAC Cup)

| draftpick = No. 34, 2017 AFL national draft (F/S)

| position = Midfielder

| debutdate = Round 12, 2019

| debutteam = {{AFL Ric}}

| debutopponent = {{AFL Gee}}

| debutstadium = MCG

| height = 183cm

| weight = 77 kg

| currentclub =

| guernsey =

| years1 = 2018–2021

| club1 = {{AFL Ric}}

| games_goals1 = {{0}}9 (3)

| years2 = 2022

| club2 = {{AFL WC}}

| games_goals2 = 11 (1)

| statsend = round 12, 2022

| games_goalstotal = 20 (4)

| careerhighlights = VFL

VFL premiership player: 2019

}}

Patrick Naish (born 15 January 1999) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Box Hill Hawks in the Victorian Football League (VFL).{{Cite web |last=Jovanovski |first=Jack |date=2022-11-28 |title=Delisted midfielder Patrick Naish signs with VFL's Box Hill Hawks |url=https://www.zerohanger.com/delisted-midfielder-patrick-naish-signs-with-vfls-box-hill-hawks-130589/ |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=Zero Hanger |language=en-US}} Naish previously played for the West Coast Eagles and Richmond in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was drafted by Richmond

with the 34th pick in the 2017 AFL national draft and made his debut for the club in round 12 of the 2019 season. He is the son of former {{AFL Ric}} and {{AFL PA}} forward Chris Naish and was drafted to Richmond under the father–son rule. Naish was delisted by Richmond at the end of the 2021 season after failing to break into playing group.{{cite news |title=Richmond door closed but Naish "hungry" for another AFL chance|url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2021/09/30/richmond-door-closed-but-naish-hungry-for-another-afl-chance/ |access-date=15 Oct 2021 |work=SEN |publisher=Pacific Star Network |date=1 Oct 2021}} He was signed by West Coast as a Supplementary Selection Period (SSP) during the 2022 AFL pre-season.

Early life and junior football

Born in January 1999, Naish is son to former {{AFL Ric}} and {{AFL PA}} forward Chris Naish who was playing his final AFL season at the time of Patrick's birth. Naish grew up in the northern suburbs of Melbourne and first represented Victoria at the Under 16 AFL championships in 2015.{{cite news |title=Richmond yet to commit to selecting son of former forward Chris Naish in 2017 draft |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-yet-to-commit-to-selecting-son-of-former-forward-chris-naish-in-2017-draft/news-story/1376174adc32f4f15e2455df3720728d |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=7 July 2017}}

In 2016 Naish began playing representative football with the Northern Knights in the TAC Cup.{{cite news |last1=Tate |first1=Andrew |title=Richmond's Patrick Naish hopes to kick on |url=https://www.watoday.com.au/sport/afl/richmonds-patrick-naish-hopes-to-kick-on-20170412-gvjw26.html |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=15 April 2017}} While attending high school at Ivanhoe Grammar School he played for the school's representative side and local football with the school's lower division alumni sides.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Naish named in elite squad |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-08-04/naish-named-in-elite-squad |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=4 August 2016}}{{cite news |title=Coffield named Knights captain |url=http://nfnl.org.au/coffield-named-knights-captain/ |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=Northern Football Netball League |publisher=SportsTG |date=21 March 2017}} That year he earned selection the Victorian Metropolitan squad, but did not manage selection to the final team at the 2016 AFL Under 18 Championships.{{cite news |title=Three Northern Knights named in Vic Metro Squad |url=http://websites.sportstg.com/club_info.cgi?client=1-3020-111703-0-14534646&sID=56253&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=44345006 |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=Northern Knights |publisher=SportsTG |date=31 May 2016}}

Naish was a member of the AFL Academy in 2016 before becoming just one of 30 players in his age group to join the more advanced program in 2017.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Father–son trio headlines Academy squad |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-08-03/fatherson-prospects-headline-latest-afl-academy-squad |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=3 August 2016}} Under that program he traveled to the USA on a training trip with his Academy classmates and trained for two weeks with Richmond's senior AFL team during the 2015/16 and 2016/17 off-seasons.{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=AFL Draft 2017: Richmond father–son prospect Patrick Naish gets perfect preparation for Tigers stint |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-draft-2017-richmond-fatherson-prospect-patrick-naish-gets-perfect-preparation-for-tiger-stint/news-story/78e3e161bbbe48d2f2a3037a4ef9e1c5 |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=8 November 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Work experience looming for 2017 draft prospects |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-12-07/work-experience-looming-for-2017-draft-prospects |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=7 December 2016}} Naish spent significant additional time around the club in his junior years, completing weights training and receiving coaching due to his father–son rule draft eligibility.{{cite news |last1=Guthrie |first1=Ben |title=Father–son prospect hopes for more Tiger joy |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-10-04/fatherson-prospect-patrick-naish-hoping-for-more-tiger-joy |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=4 October 2017}} He earned selection to the Victorian Metro side at the 2017 AFL Under 18 Championships and was named in Metro's best players in three of his four matches, including against Victoria Country in June where he was among his side's best players with two goals, nine marks and 24 disposals.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Liam |title=Father–son candidates Patrick Naish and Tyler Brown move closer to joining the AFL |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/fatherson-candidates-patrick-naish-and-tyler-brown-move-closer-to-joining-the-afl/news-story/4f9522cfe1fd10ed4cf7115a7ff3bdb6 |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=27 July 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=Cam Rayner, Jack Higgins best on ground in Vic Metro u18s win, Patrick Naish impresses |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/cam-rayner-jack-higgins-best-on-ground-in-vic-metro-u18s-win-patrick-naish-impresses/news-story/821b97de5d5e5f57c199361ea108cafc |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=24 June 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=U18s: Tiger cub thrills at Punt Road Oval |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-24/u18s-tigers-fatherson-thrills-at-punt-road-oval |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=24 June 2017}} He held an average of 21.8 disposals per game and led all players for average metres gained (519 per game) while playing wing and half-back. For his performances, Naish earned selection in the under 18 All-Australian team.{{cite news |title=U18 All Australian team revealed: Metro guns dominate |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-07-07/u18-all-australian-team-revealed-metro-guns-dominate- |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=7 July 2017}} In school football that year Naish kicked three goals for Ivanhoe in a losing Associated Grammar Schools grand final loss to Marcellin College.{{cite news |title=AGS Football grand final: Marcellin wins third premiership on the trot after win over Ivanhoe Grammar |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/ags-football-grand-final-marcellin-wins-third-premiership-on-the-trot-after-win-over-ivanhoe-grammar/news-story/10f658e37e6788d5a2b592a34375437f |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=8 August 2017}} At the end of 2017 Naish played in an under 18s all-star match on the MCG as curtain-raiser to that year's AFL grand final.

=AFL recruitment=

Naish was noted pre-draft for his running ability and his kicking skills. He completed only limited testing at the 2017 AFL draft combine after suffering a back spasm.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Combine wrap: Who boosted their draft stocks? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-10-06/combine-wrap-who-boosted-their-draft-stocks |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=6 October 2017}}

At various stages of his draft year Naish was projected by media outlets including ESPN as a top 20 pick in the 2017 draft.is a spud{{cite news |last1=Doerre |first1=Christopher |title=Knightmare's AFL Draft Power Rankings: May |url=https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/19290189/knightmare-afl-draft-power-rankings-may |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=ESPN |date=18 May 2017}} In the days immediately prior to the draft, AFL Media projected him to be selected with the 27th pick while ESPN forecast him to be drafted 25th overall.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Callum Twomey's 2017 Phantom Draft |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2017-11-23/callum-twomeys-2017-phantom-draft |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |agency=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=23 November 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Doerre |first1=Christopher |title=Knightmare's October phantom draft: The first two rounds |url=https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/21134708/knightmare-october-phantom-draft-first-two-rounds |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=ESPN |date=25 October 2017}}

=Junior statistics=

TAC Cup

|- style="background-color: #EAEAEA"

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2016

|Northern Knights

| 6 || 9 || 2 || — || 95 || 62 || 157 || 34 || 18 || 0.2 || — || 10.6 || 6.9 || 17.4 || 3.8 || 2.0

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2017

|Northern Knights

| 6 || 8 || 13 || — || 82 || 70 || 152 || 31 || 21 || 1.6 || — || 10.3 || 8.8 || 19.0 || 3.9 || 2.6

|- class="sortbottom"

! colspan=3| Career

! 17

! 15

! —

! 177

! 132

! 309

! 65

! 39

! 0.9

! —

! 10.4

! 7.8

! 18.2

! 3.8

! 2.3

Under 18 National Championships

|- style="background-color: #EAEAEA"

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2017

|Vic Metro

| 5 || 4 || 3 || — || 52 || 33 || 85 || 20 || 13 || 0.8 || — || 13.0 || 8.3 || 21.3 || 5.0 || 3.3

|- class="sortbottom"

! colspan=3| Career

! 4

! 3

! —

! 52

! 33

! 85

! 20

! 13

! 0.8

! —

! 13.0

! 8.3

! 21.3

! 5.0

! 3.3

AFL career

=2018 season=

Naish was drafted by {{AFL Ric}} with the club's fourth pick and the 34th selection overall in the 2017 AFL national draft after the club used its father–son rule rights to match a bid by {{AFL StK}}.{{cite news |last1=Browne |first1=Ashley |title=Tigers play cards perfectly to get son of a gun |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-11-24/2017-afl-draft-who-did-the-tigers-pick-up |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=24 November 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Tigers nominate Naish as father–son draftee |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-11-01/tigers-nominate-naish-as-fatherson-draftee |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=1 November 2017}}

He spent the early months of his AFL career building muscle to add to his slender frame.{{cite news |title=Every club: Draftee and rookie watch |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-01-20/all-clubs-draftee-and-rookie-watch |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 January 2018}} Naish's first matches at Richmond were played with the club's reserves side in the VFL where he immediately impressed with his kicking skills.{{cite news |title=The VFL Report: Round 1 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-04-10/the-vfl-report-round-1 |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 April 2018}} While lauded for his offensive abilities, VFL head coach Craig McRae demanded Naish develop his defensive capabilities by playing primarily in a half back role at that level.{{cite news |last1=Prime |first1=Toby |title=Richmond father–son pick Patrick Naish is unlikely to make his AFL debut from some time |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/afl-daily-live-rolling-footy-news-from-around-australia-may-18-2018/live-coverage/2d424b684380f500058eb1d3e530417e |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=18 May 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 6 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-05-15/vfl-report-round-6 |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=15 May 2018}}{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 10 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-06-12/vfl-report-round-10 |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 June 2018}} He showed considerable defensive progress in early July, taking seven marks and contributing 21 disposals in a VFL match against {{VFL Ess}}.{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 14 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-07-10/vfl-report-round-14 |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 July 2018}} Naish backed that up with a goal and 26 disposals the following week and a further 32 disposals the next match after that, earning selection as an AFL-level emergency in round 19.{{cite news |title=In the mix: round 19 |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-07-24/in-the-mix-round-19 |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=24 July 2018}}{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 15 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-07-17/vfl-report-round-15 |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=17 July 2018}}{{cite news |title=AFL Teams - Round 19 |url=https://www.triplem.com.au/story/afl-teams-round-19-1-102894 |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Triple M |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo |date=27 July 2018}} Though he could not earn final AFL team selection, Naish continued his impressive VFL form that weekend, collecting 26 disposals in a win over {{VFL Wer}}.{{cite news |last1=Riley Beveridge and Trent Masenhelder |title=Around the state leagues: Who starred for your club? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-07-28/around-the-state-leagues-whos-starring-for-your-club |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=29 July 2018}} He was again an AFL emergency in round 20 and again went unselected, but saw his VFL form drop off in early August.{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 19 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-08-14/vfl-report-round-19 |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=14 August 2018}} After finishing the VFL season as minor premiers, Richmond's reserves side lined up a home qualifying final against Williamstown.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=Lights out as Seagulls eclipse VFL Tigers |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-09-01/lights-out-as-seagulls-eclipse-vfl-tigers |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=1 September 2018}} After a loss in that match, Richmond's reserves side suffered a knock-out loss the following week which saw the team and Naish's season come to a close.{{cite news |last1=Black |first1=Sarah |title=Axed Tiger shines in heartbreaking VFL loss |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-09-08/axed-tiger-shines-in-heartbreaking-vfl-loss |access-date=8 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=8 September 2018}} Naish finished 2018 having failed to earn an AFL debut and instead played 20 games and kicked six goals with the club's reserves side in the VFL.{{cite web|title=Scoring Summary|website=Peter Jackson VFL 2018|access-date=8 June 2019|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/comp_info.cgi?client=1-118-0-477472-0&a=STATS&sgroup=scoring&sgstat=Gls|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910074736/http://websites.sportstg.com/comp_info.cgi?client=1-118-0-477472-0&a=STATS&sgroup=scoring&sgstat=Gls|archive-date=10 September 2018}}

=2019 season=

File:Patrick Naish - Grand Final.jpg

After adding nearly eight kilograms of muscle in the off-season, Naish began 2019 again with the club's reserves side, earning immediate praise from VFL assistant coach Ryan Ferguson for his defensive improvements in early April.{{cite news |title=Coaches' Corner: Patrick Naish |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-05-07/coaches-corner-patrick-naish |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=7 May 2019}}{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 1 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-04-10/vfl-report-round-1 |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 April 2019}} He was consistently among the club's best players at VFL level in the opening month of the season, regularly recording more than 25 disposals a game in his role at half-back and the wing.{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 4 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-04-30/vfl-report-round-4 |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=1 May 2019}}{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 2 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-04-16/vfl-report-round-2 |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=16 April 2019}} In early May he kicked four goals in a VFL win over {{VFL Fra}}, with Ferguson saying he was ready for an opportunity at AFL level.{{cite news |last1=King |first1=Travis |title=wo more Tigers down as injury crisis continues |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-05-12/two-more-tigers-down-as-injury-crisis-continues |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 May 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 6 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-05-15/vfl-report-round-6 |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=15 May 2019}} Continued strong performances with high disposal counts over the next month and a further two goals and 28 disposals in early June saw Naish in line for an AFL debut.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 9 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-06-03/vfl-report-round-9 |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=3 June 2019}} He was at that time averaging 25.9 disposals per match in the VFL.{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Naish to debut |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-06-06/round-12-team-selection |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=6 June 2019}} After winger Brandon Ellis was ruled unfit to play due to a groin injury, Naish was called up to AFL level to make his debut in round 12 of the 2019 season.{{cite news |title=Astbury, Ellis out of Cats clash |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-06-06/astbury-ellis-out-of-cats-clash |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=6 June 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Daniel Cherny and Jake Niall |title=Crows drop Gibbs again as Tigers hand debut to Naish |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/dale-thomas-set-for-senior-carlton-recall-20190606-p51v6p.html |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=6 June 2019}} He was impressive in the role, kicking a goal and recording 20 disposals, five marks and five inside-50s.{{cite news |title=AFL 2019: Chris Naish gives son Patrick tick of approval after first AFL goal against Geelong |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2019-chris-naish-gives-son-patrick-tick-of-approval-after-first-afl-goal-against-geelong/news-story/952cf6ef3b42d7c96c376500d97ce400 |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=7 June 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Peter |title=Geelong thrash Richmond to stamp their authority |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/geelong-thrash-richmond-to-stamp-their-authority-20190607-p51vp7.html |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=7 June 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Naish's neat debut |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-06-09/naishs-neat-debut |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=9 June 2019}} Naish earned one more match at senior level, collecting 19 disposals in a performance AFL Media labelled admirable, before being dropped back to VFL level following the injury return of many of the club's veteran leaders after the mid-season bye.{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=Relief in sight with half a dozen Tigers in line to return |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-06-13/relief-in-sight-as-half-a-dozen-tigers-in-line-to-return |access-date=11 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=13 June 2019}}{{cite news |last1=King |first1=Travis |title=TEAMS: Tigers bring in seven, Saints swing the axe |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-06-28/teams-sundays-sides-for-r15-revealed |access-date=11 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 June 2019}} At reserves level, Naish turned in middling performances while developing his defensive prowess over three weeks as a half-back, before switching back to the wing in the last week of July and putting in a best-on-ground performance with 33 disposals, nine marks and a goal.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 13 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-07-03/vfl-report-round-13 |access-date=11 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=3 July 2019}}{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 14 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-07-10/-vfl-report-round-14 |access-date=11 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 July 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 15 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-07-18/vfl-report-round-15 |access-date=11 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=18 July 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 16 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-07-23/vfl-report-round-16 |access-date=11 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=23 July 2019}} He continued to excel in that role through the end of the home and away season, finishing the regular season as the reserves team's leader in total disposals, uncontested possessions and inside-50s and placing seventh in the VFL's league best and fairest count.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 20 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-08-21/vfl-report-round-20 |access-date=19 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 August 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Conti runner up in Lambert-Pearce Medal |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-09-10/conti-runner-up-in-vflw-best-and-fairest |access-date=19 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 September 2019}} To that point he held averages of 25 disposals, five marks and 4.5 inside-50s per game in 15 reserves grade matches. In the opening round of the VFL finals series, Naish contributed 11 disposals in a come-from-behind qualifying final win over the {{VFL Ess}} reserves.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=Nank the hero as VFL Tigers come back from the brink |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-08-31/vfl-qf-match-report |access-date=19 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=31 August 2019}} He added a two-goal haul in the preliminary final a fortnight later, as Richmond's reserves won through to that league's grand final.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Tigers rocket into Grand Final |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-09-14/vfl-tigers-rocket-into-grand-final |access-date=19 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=14 September 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Amy |first1=Paul |title=VFL 2019: Richmond defeats plucky Port Melbourne in preliminary final|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/vfl/vfl-2019-richmond-defeats-plucky-port-melbourne-in-preliminary-final/news-story/bb2caf35ef0d21e265353a6f4d80a3f2 |access-date=19 November 2019 |work=Herald Sun |agency=Caulfield Glen Eira Leader |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=15 September 2019}} Naish kicked one more goal in the Richmond VFL side that defeated {{VFL Wil}} the following week, as the club won its first reserves grade premiership since 1997.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Tigers hold on for premiership glory |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-09-22/vfl-tigers-hold-on-for-premiership-glory |access-date=19 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=22 September 2019}} Naish finished 2019 having played two matches at AFL level, as well as winning a VFL premiership after 18 matches and 13 goals with the club's reserves side.{{cite web|title=Scoring Summary|website=2019 Hard Yakka / Totally Workwear VFL|access-date=19 November 2019|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/comp_info.cgi?client=1-118-0-518179-0&a=STATS&sgroup=scoring&sgstat=Gls|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924080104/http://websites.sportstg.com/comp_info.cgi?client=1-118-0-518179-0&a=STATS&sgroup=scoring&sgstat=Gls|archive-date=24 September 2019}}

=2020 season=

In the 2019/20 off-season, Naish switched guernsey numbers, adopting the number six previously worn by his father Chris and recently vacated by the retiring Shaun Grigg.{{cite news |title=2020 Richmond guernsey numbers |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/538969/2020-richmond-guernsey-numbers |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=4 December 2019}} He was named by AFL Media as a potential replacement for the wing role left by the off-season departure of Brandon Ellis, and assumed the role in the club's first pre-season series match.{{cite news |last1=Cleary |first1=Mitch |title=The replacements: Who will step up to fill the void at your club? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/365186/the-replacements-who-will-step-up-to-fill-the-void-at-your-club- |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 January 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Tigers name squad for Marsh 1 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/569445/tigers-name-squad-for-marsh-series-1 |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=27 February 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Ben |title=Tigers go down to Pies |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/570460/tigers-go-down-to-pies |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |agency=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=1 March 2020}} He missed out on the second and final match however, and instead participated in a VFL practice match in the first week of March.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Tigers overrun Werribee |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/573533/vfl-tigers-overrun-werribee |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=8 March 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Top Tiger squad named to face GWS |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/572545/top-tiger-squad-named-to-face-gws |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=5 March 2020}} It was to be his final competitive match in many months though, as the following week's reserves match was cancelled due to safety concerns as a result of the rapid progression of the COVID-19 pandemic into Australia.{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=Game off: Tiger stars to miss valuable practice match |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/384840/game-off-tiger-stars-to-miss-valuable-practice-match |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=13 March 2020}} Though the AFL season would start on schedule later that month, just one round of matches was played of the reduced 17-round season before the imposition of state border restrictions saw the season suspended for an indefinite hiatus.{{cite news |title=AFL to go ahead with round one of men's 2020 season amid coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-18/coronavirus-afl-round-one-announcement/12066394 |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=19 March 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Damien |title=Why coronavirus could force the AFL to play games without fans |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/384419/why-coronavirus-could-force-the-afl-to-play-games-without-fans |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 March 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Damien |title=Coronavirus crisis: AFL makes call on round one |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/384878/coronavirus-crisis-afl-makes-call-on-round-one |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=13 March 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Damien |title='Most serious threat in 100 years': AFL postpones season |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/389109/-most-serious-threat-in-100-years-afl-postpones-season |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=22 March 2020}}{{cite news |title=AFL suspends season in response to coronavirus, with AFLW season cancelled — but NRL plays on for now |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-22/coronavirus-afl-suspends-season-aflw-cancelled-nrl-plays-on/12079476 |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=23 March 2020}} Naish was a non-playing emergency when the season resumed after an 11-week hiatus, playing an unofficial scratch match against {{AFL Col}}'s reserves that same week due to AFL clubs' withdrawal from the VFL season.{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Two Tiger changes for season re-opener |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/704092/two-tiger-changes-for-season-re-opener |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 June 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Cleary |first1=Mitch |title=Will your club play a scratch match this weekend? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/442812/will-your-club-play-a-scratch-match-this-weekend- |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 June 2020}}{{cite news |title=Scratch match player summary |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/704926/scratch-match-player-summary |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 June 2020}} After three more scratch matches at reserves level including a three-goal haul against {{AFL StK}}, Naish moved with the main playing group when the club was relocated to the Gold Coast in response to a virus outbreak in Melbourne.{{cite news |title=Scratch match player summary v Hawks |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/719394/scratch-match-player-summary-v-hawks |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=19 June 2020}}{{cite news |title=Scratch match player summary v Saints |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/734370/scratch-match-player-summary-v-saints/ |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 June 2020}}{{cite news |title=Scratch match player summary v Demons |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/739183/scratch-match-player-summary-v-demons |access-date=5 August 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=7 July 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Jake Niall, Peter Ryan and Toby Crockford |title=AFL to move all Victorian clubs to Queensland to save season |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/queensland/afl-wants-to-move-hundreds-of-players-to-queensland-to-keep-season-alive-20200715-p55c6g.html |access-date=5 August 2020 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=15 July 2020}} Three matches into that stay, Naish was recalled to AFL level as a replacement for injured winger Josh Caddy in round 8's match against {{AFL GWS}}.{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Naish recalled for GWS clash |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/780826/naish-recalled-for-gws-clash |access-date=5 August 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=23 July 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=TEAMS: Power off the Hoff, Giant change, Lions' massive blow |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/474280/teams-hoff-dropped-giant-change-stef-hurt-again |access-date=5 August 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=23 July 2020}} As with all matches that year, it was held with playing time reduced by one fifth, owing to the possibility of further pandemic-induced fixture changes and the need to play multiple games on short breaks later in the year.{{cite news |title=Coronavirus crisis and footy: The state of play |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/384862/coronavirus-crisis-and-footy-the-state-of-play |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 March 2020}}{{cite news |last1=David Mark and James Coventry |title=AFL looking at cramming matches in case coronavirus outbreak postpones 2020 season |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-14/coronavirus-afl-looking-at-drastic-changes-to-premiership-season/12056848 |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=14 March 2020}} He recorded nine disposals in the match, and was subsequently dropped from the senior side for round 9.{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Four Tiger changes for Bulldogs clash |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/784389/four-tiger-changes-for-bulldogs-clash |access-date=5 August 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 July 2020}} Following that, Naish spent the remaining three months of the season at reserves level, where he featured mainly as a half-back.{{cite news |title=Coaches' Corner: Clarke on development |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/793977/coaches-corner-clarke-on-development |access-date=29 January 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 August 2020}}{{cite news |title=Scratch match v Geelong player summary |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/813264/scratch-match-v-geelong-player-summary |access-date=29 January 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=14 September 2020}}{{cite news |title=Scrimmage match v Collingwood player summary |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/825444/scrimmage-match-v-collingwood-player-summary |access-date=29 January 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 October 2020}} Naish played one AFL match that year, in what was another premiership-winning season for the club.

=2021 season=

File:Patrick Naish (2) 16.04.21.jpg

Naish began the 2021 season playing reserves grade football in VFL pre-season practice matches in March and into the start of the season proper in April.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Tigers surge past Bombers |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/878627/vfl-tigers-surge-past-bombers |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=13 March 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Tigers come back to defeat Box Hill |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/892796/vfl-match-report |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=29 March 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Tigers back in business with win over Zebras |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/912327/vfl-tigers-back-in-business-with-win-over-zebras |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=16 April 2021}} After recording 33 and 28 disposals in the first two matches of the reserves season, Naish earned elevation to AFL level as the designated medical substitute for the club's round 7 match against the {{AFL WB}}.{{cite news |last1=Rhodes |first1=Brendan |title=Leather poisoning: The VFL players racking up massive numbers |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/607886/leather-poisoning-the-vfl-players-racking-up-massive-numbers |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=4 May 2021}}{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 2 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/922790/vfl-report-round-2 |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 April 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Laughton |first1=Max |title=‘Second-rate’ Dogs flaw utterly exposed; Tigers beast roars back into form: The 3-2-1 |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/live-afl-2021-richmond-tigers-vs-western-bulldogs-round-7-live-scores-updates-stats-video-live-stream-news/news-story/e95feec64b699c8bb62e11e0c0087a73 |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=30 April 2021}} He recorded one disposal in five percent game time (coming on to replace Trent Cotchin in the fourth quarter) and then another one disposal in 12 percent game time in the same role in round 8, replacing the injured Shane Edwards.{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=Still the team to beat: Injury-hit Tigers end Dogs' undefeated streak |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/603831/still-the-team-to-beat-injury-hit-tigers-end-dogs-undefeated-streak |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=30 April 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=Tigers demolished: Cats' big three combine for 15 in massive win |url=https://www.afl.com.au/matches/3082#match-report |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=7 May 2021}} Naish was elevated to the starting 22 for round 9, and was listed by AFL Media as one of Richmond's best players after recording 15 disposals in that come-from-behind win over {{AFL GWS}}.{{cite news |title=Two inclusions for GWS clash |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/935332/round-9-team-announcement |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=14 May 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Black |first1=Sarah |title=Tigers come from the clouds to get home in a classic |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/613116/tigers-come-from-the-clouds-to-get-home-in-a-classic |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=15 May 2021}} He remained in the senior side for one further match, before a hamstring injury saw him left out of the round 11 team.{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Peter |title=Cavalry returns for Richmond as Blues drop Murphy |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/cavalry-returns-for-richmond-as-blues-drop-marc-murphy-20210528-p57w65.html |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=28 May 2021}}{{cite news |title=In the mix, R11: Who's pushing for selection, who's under the pump? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/620569/in-the-mix-r11-whos-pushing-for-selection-whos-under-the-pump |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=25 May 2021}} Naish returned to fitness through the VFL in June, before being recalled to the senior side for a round 16 match against the {{AFL GC}}.{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 10 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/962772/vfl-report-round-10 |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=23 June 2021}}{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 11 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/968248/vfl-report-round-11 |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=30 June 2021}}{{cite news |title=Tigers bring in five for Suns clash |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/968487/round-16-team-announcement |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=30 June 2021}} He held his place for one further match but was dropped once again from the club's senior side at the conclusion of round 17.{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=TEAMS: Blues' big blow, six Crows out, no room for gun Swan |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/648469/teams-blues-big-blow-six-crows-out-no-room-for-gun-swan |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=16 July 2021}} Naish remained at the lower level for the remainder of the year, finishing the season having played six AFL matches.{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 16 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/993810/vfl-report-round-16 |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=4 August 2021}}

Naish was delisted by Richmond at season's end, after a four-year stint at the club that included nine AFL matches and three goals.{{cite news |title=Father–son Tiger cut after just nine games in four years |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/670274/father-son-tiger-patrick-naish-cut-after-just-nine-games-in-four-years |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=24 August 2021}}{{cite news |title=Richmond announces list change |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1007822/richmond-announces-list-change |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=24 August 2021}}

=2022 season: West Coast=

In March 2022, Naish signed with {{AFL|WC}} as part of the supplemental selection period, after unsuccessfully training for a list spot at {{AFL StK}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/1074835/eagles-sign-three-ssp-players|title=Eagles sign three SSP players|date=9 March 2022|work=WestCoastEagles.com.au|access-date=9 March 2022}} Naish made his Eagles debut in round 1 of the 2022 AFL season.

Naish was delisted by West Coast at the conclusion of the season.{{Cite web |title=Naish not offered contract |url=https://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/1231038/naish-not-offered-contract |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=westcoasteagles.com.au |language=en}}

Playing style

Naish plays as a wing and half-back, notable for his running ability and long kicking.{{cite news |last1=Greenber |first1=Tony |title=Grigg on Tiger cubs' growth – No. 5: Patrick Naish |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-06-24/grigg-on-tiger-cubs-growth-no-5-patrick-naish |access-date=11 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=24 June 2019}} His offensive game is advanced, with Naish described by Richmond's VFL coaches in 2019 as having elite ball-use skills, but still developing his ability to win contested possession and to play defensively.{{cite news |title=Coaches' Corner: Patrick Naish |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-05-07/coaches-corner-patrick-naish |access-date=11 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=7 May 2019}}

AFL statistics

: Statistics are correct to the end of the 2021 season{{cite web|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/P/Patrick_Naish.html|title=Patrick Naish|publisher=AFL Tables|access-date=8 June 2019}}

|- style="background-color: #EAEAEA"

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2018

|{{AFL Ric}}

| 45 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2019

|{{AFL Ric}}

| 45 || 2 || 1 || 0 || 25 || 14 || 39 || 9 || 4 || 0.5 || 0.0 || 12.5 || 7.0 || 19.5 || 4.5 || 2.0

|- style="background-color: #EAEAEA"

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2020{{efn|The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.}}

|{{AFL Ric}}

| 6 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 3 || 6 || 9 || 0 || 3 || 0.0 || 0.0 || 3.0 || 6.0 || 9.0 || 0.0 || 3.0

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2021

|{{AFL Ric}}

| 6 || 6 || 2 || 0 || 27 || 22 || 49 || 9 || 10 || 0.3 || 0.0 || 4.5 || 3.7 || 8.2 || 1.5 || 1.7

|- class="sortbottom"

! colspan=3| Career

! 9

! 3

! 0

! 55

! 42