Sydney Swans ruckman Sam Naismith cuts an imposing figure.

He is, after all, the tallest player ever to pull on the red and white.

Frustratingly though, the 23-year-old has been forced to take only baby steps over the past 18 months.

Drafted in 2013, the 206cm big man has been cruelled by recurring injuries and setbacks that have restricted him to just two senior games.

After finishing season 2014 on a high note, making his senior debut against Richmond in Round 23, the 23-year-old endured a bout of glandular fever and groin problems.

He managed just six games at NEAFL level last season, eventually succumbing to the latter trying to fast track his recovery in the hope of playing a part come finals.

Pre-season was slow and gradual but Naismith, feeling fitter, stronger and better equipped to tackle the season ahead, remained hopeful of pushing for senior selection.

“If I work hard, train well, run out training sessions and knock them off back-to-back then anything's possible from there,” he said during the Swans’ pre-season camp in Coffs Harbour.

A broken hand suffered in-play at the start of the season, while badly timed, failed to break Naismith’s focus.

In recent weeks, he’s been a standout for the NEAFL Swans with last week’s effort shouldering the ruck load against NT Thunder catching the attention of senior selectors.

His long-awaited second game was confirmed on Thursday with Naismith one of four changes for tonight’s blockbuster clash.

Hopefully, it’s only giant strides from here on in.