Full Name: NATHAN FOLEY
Date of Birth: 08/09/1985
Height: 178 cm
Weight: 79 kg
Guernsey: 41
Debut: 27/05/2005, Round 10, Melbourne
Last Game: 07/09/2014, Round EF, Port Adelaide
RICHMOND SENIORS
Seasons: 2005-14
Total Games: 154
Total Goals: 44
Honours:
RICHMOND RESERVES
Seasons:
Total Games:
Total Goals:
Honours:
BIOGRAPHY
Nathan was drafted by Richmond with pick 4 in the 2004 Rookie Draft coming from the Geelong Falcons . He made his debut in Round 10 , 2005 against Melbourne . He had a break-out year in 2007establishing himself as one of the AFL’s best on-ballers . He was selected in the squad of 40 for the All-Australian team but missed out on the final team selection. Nathan finished second in Richmond’s 2007 Best & Fairest behind Matthew Richardson and was leading the count in 2009 when the first serious injury of his career hit. He played 70 of a possible 119 games after that due to ankle ,leg, knee and Achilles tendon problems. Strangely overlooked for the Tigers’ elimination final against Carlton in 2014, the highlight of his career , despite the disappointment of losing , was playing in the elimination final against Port Adelaide in 2015 after featuring in the team’s miraculous run to qualify for finals action . He said “ It was unbelievable to play in those nine straight wins , which resulted in my first final “. “ I spent the last few minutes of the ( Round 23 ) Sydney game on the bench … and the feeling when the siren went in Sydney was the best feeling I’ve ever had on a football field “.
Nathan was a quick and dynamic midfielder in his prime from 2007-09 but was severely hampered after then by severe injuries . Speaking at his retirement announcement , Nathan reserved special thanks for the Richmond medical staff who have been a constant in his last few seasons , Coach Damien Hardwick and the club’s senior players. He told his teammates “ We’ve been through a lot together , so thanks for the mateship” , “ I can’t explain how many fond memories I’ve got from all my teammates over 12 years “ , “ Without doubt the one thing I’ll miss the most is putting on the armour on game day with you boys and running out to play “ , “That feeling is something special and something I’ll never forget “.
He also had an important message for the younger players “ To the young blokes in the room , be in a hurry to succeed “ , “ It goes so quick and it can end so abruptly , so always make the most of your opportunities “ , “ The time is now though , and I love the quote ‘Ivvy’ ( Ivan Maric ) uses around stoppages – ‘ Shop early and beat the rush ‘ . I think that applies to careers as well “.
PRE RICHMOND
Colac ; Geelong Falcons. Joined Richmond Senior List as Rookie Elevation in 2005 after being Richmond's draft selection pick 3 overall in 1997 Rookie Draft.
POST RICHMOND
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