Veteran Richmond midfielder Nathan Foley automatically qualifies for life membership of the Club when he reaches the 150-game milestone in Friday night’s big clash with Essendon at the MCG.

Foley, who turns 29 next month, is one of the great success stories of the AFL’s rookie draft system.  He was selected by the Tigers with their first pick (No. 4 overall) in the 2004 rookie draft.

The talented, young midfielder from TAC Cup team Geelong Falcons almost certainly would have been snapped up in the national draft, a month earlier, but for the one main knock on him – he was considered too small for AFL football by many of the recruiters at the time.

Long-time Geelong Falcons manager and former Geelong star, Mick Turner, was a huge Foley fan, and couldn’t understand the reluctance of league clubs to recruit him.

“A lot of clubs at the time thought Nathan (at 177cm and 78kg back then) was a bit small,” Turner said.

“I think a few had queries over his pace and skill, but if they did a little homework on him, they would’ve realised he had great character and he was an out-and-out professional . . .

“He was always an excellent professional, and I think that’s one of the mistakes the AFL clubs made at the time.

“Nathan Foley became a league footballer because he’s got an attitude that includes ‘coachability’ and work ethic.”

The many impressive qualities that Foley possesses enabled him to overcome the various obstacles that confronted him in his quest to become the best player he could, at the game’s highest level.

Foley spent the entire 2004 season with Richmond’s VFL affiliate Coburg, displaying a maturity well beyond his years, and impressing in the midfield, defence and up forward, with the ability to win his own ball, break the lines, and use his slick skills to create opportunities for teammates.

Then, during the opening half of the 2005 season, Foley’s form simply demanded that he be elevated to the primary list at Richmond.

Finally, in the lead-up to the Round 10 clash with Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, the then 19-year-old received his senior promotion.

Foley made his league debut against the Demons on a Friday night that was memorable for all the wrong reasons . . .

Richmond, sitting third on the ladder with seven wins from nine games, was smashed by 57 points, with star forward Nathan Brown suffering that horrific broken leg, which ended his (and, effectively, the team’s) season and curtailed his league career.

Young Foley had two kicks, six handballs and took one mark in a fairly quiet debut display, that gave little indication of the influence he would subsequently exert in the Tigers’ team.

Foley played six league games all-up in 2005, but the following season he became a permanent member of the side, missing just one match and receiving an AFL Rising Star nomination.

In 2007, Foley blossomed into one of the best young midfielders in the competition. 

He played every game, excelled at the stoppages, was ranked No. 1 at the Club for handballs and tackles, and finished a close second in the Jack Dyer Medal.

That fine form continued into 2008, with Foley winning selection for Victoria in the special tribute match against the Dream Team, as part of the 150-year anniversary celebrations of Australian Football.

Foley was one of Victoria’s best in its 17-point win before nearly 70,000 fans at the MCG, showcasing his contested ball-winning ability, hard running and polished disposal.

With an average of 22.2 disposals per game in his 21 appearances for Richmond in season 2008, Foley again was a driving force in the Tigers’ line-up.

He maintained that imposing form into the second half of 2009, before an ankle injury brought a premature end to his season.

Unfortunately, that was to be the start of a horror injury run for Foley, who managed only four games in 2010, as he struggled to overcome persistent ankle problems.

Displaying trademark professionalism and determination, Foley fought back to play all 22 games in the 2011 season, finishing a creditable eighth in the Jack Dyer Medal.

Then, in the first half of 2012, Foley was flying, before further serious injury problems resurfaced.

A ruptured Achilles tendon ruled Foley out for the rest of the season in July, and it was a long road to recovery from there for him.

In typically determined, professional style, however, he worked his way back into some reasonable form, after missing the opening part of the 2013 season while still recuperating from his Achilles injury.

This year, after a relatively slow start, Foley has had an impact in recent weeks.  He’s averaged just over 20 disposals in the past seven games and has played a valuable role in helping the Tigers turn their season around, with five consecutive wins.

Foley’s confidence in his body is clearly returning and he’s looking to take the game on again, which is a really positive sign.

Another milestone Tiger on Friday night will be tough, inside midfielder Matt Thomas, who is set to play his 100^th game of AFL football.

It will be Thomas’ 13^th senior appearance for Richmond, following 87 games in eight seasons with Port Adelaide.

Thomas, ironically, made his senior league debut in Round 14 of the 2006 season against Richmond at AAMI Stadium.

He has helped bolster Richmond’s midfield in his first season with the Club this year, averaging 21.2 disposals, 10 contested possessions and six tackles in his 12 games.

The 27-year-old has racked up 20 disposals or more 10 times.