In the fourth of a richmondfc.com.au post-season special series, focusing on the 14 key findings from the Tigers’ 2014 season, we examine the impact made by mature-age recruit Nathan Gordon.


No. 4:  Nathan Gordon added a different dimension to the team’s forward line.

Gordon, who was Richmond’s second selection in last year’s National Draft (No. 50 overall), showed some encouraging signs early this season – in particular the Tigers’ Round 5 victory over Brisbane at the Gabba, where he kicked three goals after coming on as the side’s substitute during the third quarter.

The role of ‘sub’ was something Gordon had to familiarise himself with, for a good portion of the time he spent in Richmond’s senior side. 

Bid on 2014 Richmond signed match-worn guernseys, including Nathan Gordon

Following the narrow loss to Geelong at the MCG in Round 7, Gordon was dropped, and he didn’t return until the Round 18 win against West Coast at Patersons Stadium.  But over the last seven games of the season, the 24-year-old, who spent two seasons on Sydney’s rookie list, for two senior appearances, was influential, playing as a high half-forward. 

In those final seven games, which included some more stints as the sub, Gordon averaged 11 disposals, kicked seven goals (11 goals all-up for the season), and provided the Tigers’ forward line with a valuable boost due to his elite running ability, aerial strength and goalkicking prowess. 

He scored two vital goals in the stirring Round 20 triumph over Essendon at the MCG, and followed that up with the critical goal that regained the lead for Richmond late in the final term of the epic Round 21 encounter against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. 

Gordon’s non-stop hard running earned him the nickname of ‘Red Dog’ at Tigerland.

“’Dimma’ (Richmond coach Damien Hardwick) just wants me to work up the ground with my endurance, work my players into the ground, get back, take a mark, kick a goal,” Gordon said.

“I’m enjoying that position at the moment.  I really like working my players into the ground, getting on the outside, and kicking a few goals.”