In a special series leading up to the 2017 AFL national draft, richmondfc.com.au takes a look back at the Tigers’ construction of their drought-breaking premiership team this year via the competition’s main talent acquisition pathway throughout the past decade. This afternoon, we focus on Nathan Broad’s drafting to Tigerland.
With its third and final pick (No. 67 overall) in the 2015 national draft, Richmond selected Nathan Broad, a mature-age defender from WAFL club Swan Districts.
Broad, 22 at the time, had pressed his draft claims by producing an impressive level of consistency at senior level with Swans Districts throughout that year
Here’s what the Richmond recruiters had to say about Broad in the wake of his drafting . . .
“Playing as a dashing defender, Nathan enjoyed a strong season at WAFL level with Swan Districts, averaging 20 disposals in 20 games.
“The 22-year-old also managed to shut down some of the most dangerous forwards in the WAFL competition.
“Broad was a standout at the West Australian state screening in October, running 24.04 seconds in the repeat sprint (better than any player in the national Combine) and recording a third-best beep test (level 14.1).
“Originally from Wubin (about 250 kilometres north east of Perth), Nathan relocated to Perth when he was 16 and attended Governor Stirling High School on a sports scholarship.
“Having been part of the Swan Districts’ development program for five years, he will enter the AFL system as a ready-made, mature-age player, who has the athleticism and competitiveness to play on tall and small forwards.”
Broad admitted to being completely surprised by his drafting.
“I had no idea. I was nagging my manager to try and see what he could find out. But, unfortunately, he couldn’t find out, so I just had to sit back and hope for the best,” he said.
“It’s still a bit surreal to be honest . . . hasn’t quite sunk in fully yet.”
Broad described his past few years of football as “a bit of a roller-coaster”.
“I missed out (on being drafted) when I was 18 and I’ve been playing in and out of the (Swan Districts) league squad for the last few years,” he said.
“I just sat down with the club and worked on my deficiencies and what I needed to improve on at the next level . . .
“Luckily for me, I managed to string together all games this year at league (level), which helps you a lot to make it at the next level.”
Broad can’t wait to make the move to Victoria to start his AFL career with Richmond.
“I wish I could get over there today,” he said.
“I’ve been out of home since I was 17, so the whole family side of moving out of home and fending for myself kind of thing, doesn’t faze me at all.
“I just want to get stuck into it now . . .”
Broad then provided an insight into what he could provide the Tigers with on-field.
“Hopefully some outside run and speed off half-back, maybe a bit of wing,” he said.
Nathan Broad AFL fact file
Debut: Round 14, 2016 v Brisbane, MCG
Games: 12
Goals: 0
Honours: Member of Richmond’s 2017 premiership team
