Richmond Defender Nathan Broad Fired Up for Crucial AFL Origin Match-Up
Western Australian defender Nathan Broad has emphatically declared there will be no "bruise-free" football when his state takes the field for the historic AFL Origin clash this Saturday. The Richmond premiership star, preparing for a critical defensive assignment against Victoria's Toby Greene, stated WA players are "all-in" to ensure this isn't the final chapter for state-of-origin football.
Broad Emphasizes Player Responsibility for Origin's Future
Speaking ahead of Thursday's training session, Broad emphasized the players' collective responsibility to showcase Origin football at its finest. "We're representing our state. No one is going to take the foot off," Broad asserted. "We have a responsibility. It's been 28 years or something since the last WA game of Origin. There's been lots of commentary about players taking it easy and bruise-free football—but that's not how we're going about it."
The three-time Richmond premiership defender addressed concerns about player safety directly. "There's risks every day at training, there's risks in intra-club games—there's risk at the end of the day, it's a game of football," he explained. "If this is going to be a thing going forward it's got to be all-in, and we're all-in. We'll see first bounce on Saturday."
A Cherished Accolade in a Distinguished Career
Broad, who was among the final additions to the WA squad, expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to represent his state at this stage of his career. "I was extremely honoured and extremely grateful to get the call-up," he shared. "I never got to represent WA in the under-18s, I was in the squad but never got the call-up so to be able to do it now is something I am extremely grateful for."
The 32-year-old reflected on his unexpected journey from mature-age recruit out of Swan Districts to Richmond premiership player and now state representative. "I never thought I'd play as many AFL games as I have let alone win a premiership, and to do this now where my career is at, I'm not getting any younger so this is something that I'll cherish and is awesome to have on my resume," Broad said.
Tapping into State Pride and History
Broad revealed how the WA squad has been immersing themselves in the significance of the black and gold jumper. "We've had chairman of selectors Glen Jakovich and a couple of guest speakers in Ross Glendinning who came in and spoke about Origin, what it meant to them and what it meant to the state," he explained.
The defender described how the squad has been connecting with WA's football heritage. "We did a bit of stuff internally about what it means to us... we're trying to lean into the state and what connects us back home," Broad said. "The messaging last night from a couple of our guest speakers about how it was back in the day. I'm not sure we could play that way, we might get suspended for a few weeks."
Preparing for the Greene Challenge
On the tactical front, Broad acknowledged the formidable challenge awaiting him against Greater Western Sydney forward Toby Greene. "Toby Greene and I have gone at it for a long time now, for 10 years or so," he noted, anticipating another intense contest.
However, Broad was quick to identify which opponent he won't be volunteering to match up against. "I am glad I got Sammy Taylor and Tom Barrass, some big key backs there so it would be one of them to take on Sam Darcy I would've thought," he said of the rising Western Bulldogs talent. "Rory Lobb is down there as well, he's been playing on him in intra-club matches, so I'll leave it up to one of them."
A Proud Moment for Family and State
Beyond the on-field battle, Broad emphasized the personal significance of representing Western Australia. "For the WA boys we get our family and friends to come and watch. And they're super stoked, so it's a proud moment to represent my family and the state," he said.
The Richmond leader, now playing under coach Adem Yze during the Tigers' rebuilding phase, recognizes this historic Origin clash could represent one of the final blockbuster occasions of his distinguished career. With his declaration of "all-in" commitment, Broad has set the tone for what promises to be an uncompromising display of state pride when WA takes the field on Saturday.
