Nathan Gordon is hoping his time in the SANFL this year will help him have another crack at the AFL Matt Turner
City North Messenger
September 24, 2013 LEE Spurr. Nick Duigan. Paul Puopolo. Steven Morris. Nathan Gordon?
North Adelaide Rooster Gordon is hoping to become the latest mature-age SANFL player to make the jump to the AFL at the end of the season.
The 23-year-old half-forward flanker delisted by Sydney last year was the only experienced SA-based player invited to attend the draft combine at Etihad Stadium from October 1-4.
It follows a self-described "inconsistent" season, in which he caught the eye in the early rounds with his dash and goal ability before his form dropped away when North slumped in the back half of the year.
Gordon says he moved to the SANFL to enhance his chances of an AFL return.
He has since kept an eye on the league's mature-age success stories.
Spurr (Central District to Fremantle), Duigan (Norwood to Carlton), Puopolo (Norwood to Hawthorn) and Morris (West Adelaide to Richmond).
"I look at them and say to myself 'if they can do it, I can'," Gordon says. "They got an opportunity and they're taking it.
"It just gives guys like me a bit of hope."
Gordon was on the Swans' list from 2010-12 but played just two senior games.
He was named an emergency nine times last year, only to be cut a week after Sydney won the flag.
"I was always waiting for an injury or I was waiting for a bit of luck but that luck or injury never came."
Gordon says Sydney-bound Roosters coach Josh Francou has been important to his development this year and he has enjoyed his time at Prospect.
And he is adamant he is better prepared if he gets another crack at the elite level.
"I'd be more mature as a person and a footballer.
"I was a little bit timid being young going into the Swans but now I know how hard it is to play senior footy and will do everything I can to get back."
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/nathan-gordon-is-hoping-his-time-in-the-sanfl-this-year-will-help-him-have-another-crack-at-the-afl/story-fnii03j6-1226726055190