Rocket Robinrichmondfc.com.au
By Tony Greenberg
Tue 10 May, 2011Robin Nahas’ form, over the first seven rounds of the 2011 season, has catapulted him into the front line as an early contender for the title of most improved player in the AFL competition.
The speedy small man, who was selected by Richmond in the 2009 Rookie Draft, and subsequently promoted to the senior list, has played a pivotal role in the Tigers’ hat-trick of wins over the past three rounds, across the forward line and through the midfield.
After a promising start to his AFL career in ’09, culminating in him winning Richmond’s Best First Year Player award, Nahas’ form fell away in 2010 and he was seemingly at the football crossroads. But a huge pre-season enabled him to reach the best fitness levels of his playing career, and he’s now reaping the benefits.
In his 2009 debut season, Nahas kicked 21 goals and averaged 14 disposals per game in his 19 appearances. The following year, his figures dropped to 14 games, 13 goals and an average of 12.5 disposals.
This season, however, in seven matches, Nahas is averaging 19 disposals per game, with seven goals to his credit. He is ranked No. 3 at the Club for handballs with 68, No. 8 for total disposals with 133, and No. 2 for tackles with 38.
Nahas has been in the Tigers’ top three players on the ground during the past three weeks, gathering 26 disposals, with six marks and four tackles against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium in Round 5; 26 disposals, with nine marks, seven tackles and three goals against Brisbane at the MCG in Round 6; and a career-high 30 disposals, with seven marks, four tackles and four goals against Fremantle at the ‘G’ in last Saturday’s Round 7 clash.
Gut-running has been a real feature of his game this season, along with his trademark pace, tackling pressure and goal sense.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/113511/default.aspx
