Nathan Drummond is only 20 years old, but has already experienced the extreme highs and lows of AFL football.
After missing out on his first attempt at the National Draft, overcoming injury setbacks, bouncing back to win the Murray Bushrangers’ Best and Fairest as a 19-year-old, and being drafted to Richmond, he quickly worked his way into senior calculations.
Everything was falling into place when he was called up to make his debut against Melbourne in Round 4, at the MCG on a Friday night.
Drummond started well – he collected five disposals, laid two tackles and provided dash from the back half.
In the second quarter, he went back courageously with the flight of the ball, but landed awkwardly, immediately grasping at his knee.
Later, it was determined Drummond would require a knee reconstruction, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2015 season.
“I never would’ve thought I’d do my knee, so I was pretty unlucky,” Drummond told Matthew Richardson on Roar Vision.
“But there are worse off people who’ve done their knee, like Clay Smith’s (Western Bulldogs) done three, so you’ve got to look at those sort of blokes, and I’m probably in a more fortunate position that him.
“We’ve got (development coach and former Hawthorn ruckman) Max Bailey at the Club, and he’s done three.
“I’ve spoken to Max a little bit, and he said just to focus on week-by-week, and not get too far ahead, because it’s a long process of probably nine months.
“I might start studying in second semester, and that’ll keep me busy and focussed on something.”
For Drummond, setbacks aren’t a new experience.
“I’ve guess I’ve faced adversity before with not getting drafted as an 18-year-old, so I’ve been through stuff, and I only think it’s only going to make me a better player and person, and make me hungrier to get back out there,” he said.
“The feeling of running out for my first game will get me through rehab and to get back out there with the boys.”
“I’m feeling pretty positive, I guess. I’m quite young, and there’s no pressure to come back this year, so I can take my time and get the rehab process spot on.”
