Richmond midfielder Nathan Foley has gotten through his first taste of competitive football in almost 12 months, playing a half for Coburg in the VFL.

Foley, 27, started at half forward and pushed into the midfield, playing the opening 15 minutes before taking his first breather in the clash with the Northern Blues.

He last played in round 10 last season before he snapped his achilles tendon at training.

Wearing the No.76, he matched up on Carlton's Nick Duigan early and spent time against Tom Bell as the half wore on.

He won a handful of quality possessions, tackled well and got more involved the longer he was on, with his half culminating in a great goal kicked shortly before the break.

Afterwards, he said he pulled up well and predicted he would need up to three more games at VFL level before being considered for senior selection.

In other Richmond news, highly-anticipated young gun Nick Vlastuin came on at half time while Robbie Nahas played from quarter-time.

Both could potentially be in contention for Friday night's clash with Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin, forward Jake King, development coach Mark Williams and assistant coach Brendon Lade were among those who turned out to watch the game on Sunday afternoon.

Coburg trailed by just six points at three quarter time, but were overrun and eventually lost by 26 points.

Aaron Edwards booted seven goals for the Tigers, while Brad Helbig continued his impressive form with 27 disposals.

Coburg travels to play Box Hill in Round 4 this Saturday, April 27, at 2pm.


Final scores – Round 4
Coburg Tigers   4.4  6.6  12.11  15.13 (103)
Northern Blues   2.4  11.8  13.11  19.15 (129)

GOALS:
Coburg Tigers: Edwards 7, Nahas 2, Saad 2, Elton, O'Hanlon, Foley, Arnot
Northern Blues: Ellard 4, Casboult 3, Mitchell 3, Lambert 2, Marcon, Buckley, Bell, Cachia, Wilson, Laidler, Visser

BEST:
Coburg Tigers: Helbig, Edwards, Darrou, Stephenson, Elton, Robertella
Northern Blues: Ellard, Lambert, Marcon, Cachia, Casboult, Posar