Nathan Brown

Nathan Brown, the flamboyant small forward was originally a Bulldog, but decided to move to Richmond at the end of the 2003 season. Although 2004 was a wretched season for Tiger supporters the form of Nathan Brown was one of the few dimly shining lights in that dark season.

2005 was the season of Brown. Richmond were flying high with 7 wins from the first 9 games. At least 2 of those wins had come pretty much from the boot of Brown himself and he was one of the competition's goal kicking leaders. Then against Melbourne in Rd 10 an accident while fighting for the ball caused Brown's lower leg to snap in half. It was a horrific injury and it derailed the club's season.

There were rumours that Nathan Brown may never return and if he did would never regain good form. Despite his pretty boy good looks and a self deprecating sense of humour Brown is a determined person and rehabilitated quickly and strongly. Most experts said that the injury would take at least 12 months to recover from. Nathan pencilled in Rd 1, 9 months after the injury, as his return match.

Even if Brown had not been returning from the injury this match would have had some extra spice as it was against his old club the Western Bulldogs. Brown stated that he would see 15 possessions and 3 goals as a decent return. He looked at little proppy at times and had lost some pace. The team was well beaten and hardly anyone could hold their head up, but on his return from a career threatening injury Nathan Brown picked up 1 possession and nearly kicked 2 goals. Season 2006 looks like being a bad one for Richmond, but Brown is back and using Friday night's match as a guide he will be back to his best sooner rather than later. On a night when the news was all bad for the Tigers that was one small positive.

Chris