Foley embraces new challenges
28 January 2008 Herald Sun
Jon Ralph
NEW Richmond vice-captain Nathan Foley says he is ready to deal with the increased on-field attention certain to come with his sudden rise to the game's elite.
Foley and running defender Chris Newman were last week announced as the club's vice-captains to Kane Johnson as the Tigers position themselves for a new youth-led era.
The 22-year-old's rise has been meteoric. He cemented his spot in the side late in 2005, but enjoyed a superb season last year and was beaten by just a vote in the club's best-and-fairest.
He is sure to be the No. 1 target of opposition taggers aware he is the Richmond midfield's most creative playmaker.
But after another excellent pre-season and some intense study in the video room, Foley is confident he can continue to make an impact in the Tigers' engine room.
"(The attention) came about a bit towards the end of the year, so it was good to get used to that sort of stuff," Foley said.
"It's just something I have to work on and create some tricks to help you get loose.
"I have watched a lot of videos of Gary Ablett Jr and Chris Judd and Daniel Kerr to try to learn tricks off them, because they get sat on heavily each week. It's a bit of a learning tool."
While Foley is being fast-tracked because of his ability and mature outlook, the low-profile Newman could yet be the next Richmond captain.
Already in the leadership group, Newman was elevated after an excellent return from a broken leg in 2005.
"It's huge. It's something I never really thought about at the start of my career," the 25-year-old said.
"It's something I am going to look back on later in life and be really proud of, to be voted by your peers to represent your club in this way, and I am really looking forward to the challenge."
Newman said he would love to be considered captaincy material when Johnson retired.
"It's something that would be a huge honour if I was to receive it. But it's something I am not really thinking about. I am just trying to learn," Newman said.
Newman had the metal plate and screws removed from his broken leg during the off-season.
He said he was pain and trouble-free.
With new addition Jordan McMahon set to slot into the backline, it will give Newman time to mix and match in the midfield, as well as being used as a small defender.
The Tigers are almost injury-free, with only No. 2 draft pick Trent Cotchin being managed as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained last season.
Foley said the club was finally building some enviable midfield depth to challenge rivals.
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