Richmond’s wooden spoon in season 2024 is more a silver lining from Nathan Broad’s perspective.
The triple Tiger premiership defender told Richmond Media in a post-season review interview that “I’d rather finish 18th than 12th.”
“It sounds probably weird, but when you finish 18th, you can really step back and look at everything. And I think that’s what we’re going to do.
“We’re going to be harsh and be realistic where we’re at. But also look forward to grow and get better . . .
“I’m excited, and reality is we’re going to get a lot of young kids come in, in the draft.
“So, it’s a great opportunity to teach those guys what the standards are and what we stand for as a footy club . . .
“I’m really optimistic that we can get back.”
Broad was delighted to recently extend his contract with the Tigers until the end of 2026.
“Stoked that the Club showed faith in me to stay on and I’m in it for the long haul,” he said.
“Obviously enjoyed a lot of success here at this footy club, and I’ve said it before . . . no-one really wanted me as a 22-year-old, but Richmond did.
“So, I’m fully indebted to this club and I’m looking to get us back up the ladder, which is exciting.
“We’ve got some young kids coming in, so hopefully they can rejuvenate me and get some more energy into me, which will be good.”
The 31-year-old veteran of 148 games with Richmond was one of the team’s most consistent performers in the 2024 season.
He averaged 14.3 disposals, 6.3 marks, 3.1 rebound-50s, 5.2 intercepts and 210.2 metres gained inn the 22 games he played.
