Talented, young Richmond recruit Nathan Drummond is aiming to use the AFL’s upcoming pre-season competition as a launching pad for his first season at the game’s highest level.
Drummond, who turned 20 last month, was Richmond’s third pick (No. 52 overall) in the 2014 National Draft following a fine season with TAC Cup club the Murray Bushrangers, culminating in him winning their Best and Fairest.
“I hope I can play maybe a few NAB Cup games and see where I go from there,” Drummond said.
“Obviously it’s a performance thing, so it depends on how I play how many (senior league) games I get. Hopefully I play well.”
Drummond played predominantly as a midfielder over the last couple of years of his junior career, but he’s been adapting to a different role early on at Tigerland.
“At the moment I’m training as a back-flanker – a running half-back, like a Bachar Houli type position,” he said.
“I haven’t played there for probably two years, but it’s a role that I like and am pretty comfortable in.”
Although it’s been a demanding first pre-season in the AFL, Drummond is thriving in his new environment.
“It’s been pretty tough, the training. I’m just getting into a routine at the moment. I’m finding it really enjoyable and obviously it’s really exciting,” he said.
“I’ve only been here three months, but it feels like I’ve been here a little bit longer because everyone’s made me feel really welcome.
“I’m looking forward to getting into games . . .”
