Round Nine

This week's rising star is our own Nathan Foley!

Nathan did not take the usual path to AFL stardom. He was not selected in his draft, mainly due to his lack of size. Foley refused to accept that there was no place for him in the AFL and went into the VFL, he eventually found his way to Coburg and onto Richmond's rookie list. In 2005 a 40+ possession game convinced the Tigers that he was worth a try at senior level. Although there were questions about his size, pace (I've never understood that as he's always seemed quick to me), decision making and disposal. He was put onto Richmond's senior list in 2006 and had occasional senior appearances, it always seemed that whenever he had the ball he did something with it and made things happen. He worked on his skills and built up muscle over the 2007 pre season and it showed in his performances, he had a stellar year, made himself into the Tigers premier midfielder and was runner up in the best and fairest. The big question was could he back it up? The answer is an emphatic yes. Nathan Foley was made the Richmond vice captain along with Chris Newman and has only failed in one game in 2008. On Saturday night against Essendon he was on fire. He picked up possessions at will, continually drove the side into attack and gathered clearances like a machine. There was no surprise at the conclusion of the game that he was given the award for best player on the ground. It won't be the last time that happens.

Next round...