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Nic Naitanui fan gets AFL star’s signature tattooed on her arm

Staff ReportersThe West Australian
VideoWATCH: 4-year-old Soleil Benstead is the proud owner of one of only a few handmade Nic Naitanui dolls.

West Coast superstar Nic Naitanui is not short of fans in WA, but one woman has taken it to an all new level by getting the ruckman’s signature tattooed on her arm.

The 30-year-old share a picture of the tattoo on his Instagram today, seemingly shocked himself at the level of commitment of fan’s support of him.

Naitanui had arguably his best season ever in 2020 with his second All Australian berth and first since 2012 as well as winning West Coast’s best and fairest, the John Worsfold Medal for the first time, finishing ahead of wingman Andrew Gaff.

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The star is not uncomfortable with having his name or face plastered over merchandise for the Eagles, with the cult hero even having his own dreadlocked beanies sold at the club, while his face is arguably the most familiar of all the Eagles players.

Nic Naitanui shared a picture of a fan’s tattoo of his signature on Sunday.
Camera IconNic Naitanui shared a picture of a fan’s tattoo of his signature on Sunday. Credit: Nic Naitanui-Instagram

But it seems there is no stopping West Coast fans from showcasing their love for the Swan Districts-product, with the tattoo a new first in the state’s love for the AFL superstar.

Although, the woman is not the first to take her fandom of a footballer to a tattoo parlour.

Perth man and Richmond superfan Ryan Wilhelm did something similar in 2017, getting a tattoo of now three-time Norm Smith medallist Dustin Martin on his bum after the premiership victory, while a Western Bulldogs fan named Ben Michell got premiership coach Luke Beveridge’s head on a Bulldogs’ body tattooed on his leg.

“I’m a man of my word, I said I was going to do it,” Wilhelm told Seven News.

“I love it.”

Die-hard Richmond fan Ryan Wilhelm, pictured as he gets a tattoo of 2017 Brownlow and Norm Smith medallist Dustin Martin on his backside to mark the drought-breaking Tigers premiership in 2017.
Camera IconDie-hard Richmond fan Ryan Wilhelm, pictured as he gets a tattoo of 2017 Brownlow and Norm Smith medallist Dustin Martin on his backside to mark the drought-breaking Tigers premiership in 2017. Credit: Danella Bevis/The West Australian

Last year The West Australian discovered a little girl who could possibly be Naitanui’s most adorable fan, Soleil Benstead, who cherished a handmade Nic Naitanui doll which was made by a lady in Waroona.

“My favourite team is the West Coast Eagles and my favourite player is Nic Naitanui,” Soleil said.

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