No amount of distance can break the relationship between a nan and her grandson.

Nathan and Evelyn Broad epitomise that statement. 

Since Nathan got picked up by Richmond in the 2015 draft, his grandmother, Evelyn, has made the effort to commute from Western Australia to Victoria just to watch him play.

Evelyn always believed in her grandson, even when he was playing at VFL level, when she would still make the three-and-a-half-hour plane ride to watch Nathan play.

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‘I’m so proud of him’ – Broady’s Nan on following his AFL journey

Evelyn Broad, Nathan Broad's grandmother, travels solo from Perth to Melbourne to watch Broady play and couldn’t be prouder of him.

“I’ve been coming over ever since he got picked, number 67 draft pick, I think he was,” Evelyn said.

“He has done so well in those years, and Richmond has been such a wonderful club.

“I’ve flown over lots of times, when he has been in the VFL and then, of course, he was lucky to get in just as they won a premiership, and they have got three Grand Finals now.”

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After more than nine years of travelling to and from Perth to Melbourne, Evelyn said that she would continue to do so as long as she is able to travel.

“My favourite part is just seeing Nath out on the MCG. What a grand thing to achieve in life,” Evelyn said.  

“The MCG, there is just something about it, isn’t there. Just the atmosphere and everything, I love it, and I have always loved football.

“I’ll keep coming as long as I can get on that plane.”

Evelyn made another special visit to watch her grandson play when the side took on the Crows in Round 16. Win or lose, Evelyn’s unwavering support for Nathan still shines through. 

“He has just the most wonderful nature,” Evelyn said.

“Very proud of what he has done, and he works hard to achieve it all."

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As much as Evelyn enjoys coming to Melbourne to watch her grandson run out on the MCG in the yellow and black, she said she is looking forward to catching up with him again in a couple of weeks when the side plays West Coast in Round 19 in Perth.

“I really enjoy coming here, I know lots of people who have been here for years, so it has been nice to catch up with all of them too,” Evelyn said.

“I don’t come over as much now, I’m getting old, and he is married with a child, but it has been lovely to come over this time and next time they will be coming to Perth, so we will get another opportunity.”