Nathan Batsanis has been around.

After two years on Port Adelaide’s rookie list from 2007–2008, four years at Port Melbourne (including an undefeated season and premiership) and one season finishing with another premiership at SANFL Club, Norwood, the 25-year-old has now joined Richmond’s new VFL team.

In November last year, Batsanis trained with the Tigers’ AFL team, hoping to reignite his AFL career through the 2013 Rookie Draft, and, although disappointed to be overlooked, the utility player is “loving it” as a VFL player at Tigerland.

“The thing that stands out at Richmond is how organised and professional the environment is,” Batsanis said.

“The structure of the program and the professionalism of everyone that’s on board really make it an enjoyable place to be playing at.”

Still harbouring a desire for another chance at AFL level, the experieced on-baller is taking the opportunities available to him at the Tigers.

“I unfortunately missed out on a spot in December on the rookie list, but I’ve been doing one day a week (training with the AFL squad) in January which has been really good for my development and fitness,” he said.

“I’m loving it at the moment.  Hopefully it helps me with my season with the VFL.”

While continuing to work on his own craft, Batsanis also sees a role in supporting the development of the young Tigers coming through the Club’s ranks, having embraced Richmond’s ‘one Club, two teams’ philosophy.

“There’s a good feel about the place at the moment, especially with where the seniors want to go, and I think that’s trickling down to the VFL.”

“There’s a lot of young kids here at Richmond.  I’m going to make it a goal of mine to help them get to where they want in their footy,” he said.

But Tiger fans will see more than just Batsanis’ leadership qualities on the field.  The utility has spent time as an inside midfielder, on the wing, and at half-forward.

“The main work I do is through the middle of the ground, where I bring other players into the game and use my skills to the advantage of the team,” he said.

Click on the player above to view the video with Batsanis.