Richmond coach Damien Hardwick believes that experienced midfielder Nathan Foley, who will play his 150th game against Essendon on Friday night, is in some of the best form of his career and expects him to continue improving.

Foley’s preparation for season 2014 was restricted by injury but the 29-year-old has played every match since Round 9, averaging over 20 disposals per game.

“He did have an injury-interrupted pre-season so it was a little bit slow,” Hardwick told the media on Thursday, “but his last 10 weeks, if you took it in that 10-week block, would be pretty close to winning our best and fairest at that stage.”

“He’s been a very important player for us – wins contested ball, gets the ball outside as well, so we’re really pleased with how he’s going and he’s only going to become better as he goes on.”

Don’t miss this Friday night’s blockbuster against Essendon.  Purchase your ticket today.

Foley missed Richmond’s elimination final last year, and while Hardwick admitted that it was an incredibly tough decision, he is confident his pacey, in-form midfielder has taken his game to a higher level.

“Probably the hard thing from a coaches point of view [is that] he’s an outstanding character and generally those guys you like to have in your side.”

“It was an unfortunate one but we’re hoping he gets some opportunities in the future.”

Hardwick said that Foley was a very highly regarded figure at Tigerland both on and off the field and couldn’t think of a more deserving, hard-working player to earn life membership at the club.

“He’s been through a lot – he came from a rookie list a long way back and he’s had significant injury history over the course of his time, especially since I’ve been here,” Hardwick said.

“For him to reach 150 [games] is great but I’ve got no doubt his best footy is still in front of him. He’s played some outstanding footy for us this year.”