A small article on Nathan Foley in todays Sun. For anyone who is interested.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,9745410%5E19742,00.html
Foley puts his best foot forward
05 June 2004 Herald Sun
Sophie Elsworth
WHEN Richmond recruiters drew up their requirements for draft prospects last year, good foot skills would have been pretty close to the top of the list.
That probably has a fair bit to do with why the Tigers selected Nathan Foley in December's rookie draft.
The 18-year-old on-baller from Colac won the Geelong Falcons' best-and-fairest last year and was a member of the TAC Cup team of the year, and has already impressed Coburg Tigers coach David Flood.
Flood, in charge of Richmond's VFL affiliate, compared Foley to former Geelong and Essendon rover Sean Denham.
"He has the ability to play on the ball, in the midfield, in the forward line and in the backline, and he has a good football brain," Flood said.
"He is pretty important in our side, and he has a terrific kick."
Flood said Foley's performance on Geelong midfielder David Spriggs last week was particularly impressive, and was instrumental in the Tigers' four-point win.
"Nathan is a terrific young kid who has matured as a player this year," he said.
Foley played for the Falcons for two years before being drafted, and as a teenager also showed his talents at tennis and basketball, representing Colac in both sports before he made football his priority.
The former Colac Trinity College student moved to Melbourne after he was picked up by Richmond late last year.
"I was training with Melbourne, but I knew Richmond were keen on me, but it was a surprise to get on the rookie list," Foley said.
Moving to the city wasn't easy for Foley.
"The cooking was pretty hard and especially driving in Melbourne, it was hard at first but now I am used to it," he said.
Foley has deferred chiropractic studies at RMIT while he concentrates on football.
He admits getting used to the intense football schedule takes time.
"It is pretty full-on, but coming up through the state championships and the TAC Cup gives you some idea of what to expect," he said.
"When I started at Richmond is was pretty daunting training with my childhood heroes, but they all make you feel very welcome."
Foley is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow rookie Kelvin Moore, who was elevated from the Richmond rookie list this week and will make his debut against the Kangaroos at Telstra Dome tonight.
Flood said there was a good chance Foley would make the cut.
"This is Nathan's first year on the rookie list, so next year it is more likely that he will move on to the senior list," Flood said. "He uses the ball well and he is a professional young man."
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,9745410%5E19742,00.html
Foley puts his best foot forward
05 June 2004 Herald Sun
Sophie Elsworth
WHEN Richmond recruiters drew up their requirements for draft prospects last year, good foot skills would have been pretty close to the top of the list.
That probably has a fair bit to do with why the Tigers selected Nathan Foley in December's rookie draft.
The 18-year-old on-baller from Colac won the Geelong Falcons' best-and-fairest last year and was a member of the TAC Cup team of the year, and has already impressed Coburg Tigers coach David Flood.
Flood, in charge of Richmond's VFL affiliate, compared Foley to former Geelong and Essendon rover Sean Denham.
"He has the ability to play on the ball, in the midfield, in the forward line and in the backline, and he has a good football brain," Flood said.
"He is pretty important in our side, and he has a terrific kick."
Flood said Foley's performance on Geelong midfielder David Spriggs last week was particularly impressive, and was instrumental in the Tigers' four-point win.
"Nathan is a terrific young kid who has matured as a player this year," he said.
Foley played for the Falcons for two years before being drafted, and as a teenager also showed his talents at tennis and basketball, representing Colac in both sports before he made football his priority.
The former Colac Trinity College student moved to Melbourne after he was picked up by Richmond late last year.
"I was training with Melbourne, but I knew Richmond were keen on me, but it was a surprise to get on the rookie list," Foley said.
Moving to the city wasn't easy for Foley.
"The cooking was pretty hard and especially driving in Melbourne, it was hard at first but now I am used to it," he said.
Foley has deferred chiropractic studies at RMIT while he concentrates on football.
He admits getting used to the intense football schedule takes time.
"It is pretty full-on, but coming up through the state championships and the TAC Cup gives you some idea of what to expect," he said.
"When I started at Richmond is was pretty daunting training with my childhood heroes, but they all make you feel very welcome."
Foley is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow rookie Kelvin Moore, who was elevated from the Richmond rookie list this week and will make his debut against the Kangaroos at Telstra Dome tonight.
Flood said there was a good chance Foley would make the cut.
"This is Nathan's first year on the rookie list, so next year it is more likely that he will move on to the senior list," Flood said. "He uses the ball well and he is a professional young man."
