MITCHELL WOODCOCK

May 11, 2012

Young Swan Districts footballer Nathan Broad is on the verge of making his debut for the senior side despite facing many setbacks in his short career.

Broad, 19, has been with the Swan Districts Football Club since he was 16 and has progressed through the ranks to the point where he is now on the seniors’ list for 2012.

Nathan Broad ...

Broad achieved this despite a mixed 2011 where he played four games for the reserves side after a string of strong performances for the Colts.

This resulted in a selection in the 2011 Western Australian under 18s side, but a strong team meant that Broad spent much of the tournament on the sidelines.

Broad was also considered for drafting into the AFL and even participated in the Western Australian draft camp.

Unfortunately, a strong draft and Broad’s slim figure meant he missed out on being drafted.

“I had an interview with Collingwood, Western Bulldogs and spoke with Geelong over the phone,” Broad said.

“I also had a few letters from Port Adelaide.”

Broad did not let this get him down though and had what Swan Districts Senior Coach Greg Harding described as a strong preseason.

... in his element at Bassendean.

“He’s done one of the best seasons I have ever seen any young man do,” Harding said.

“His application through it all has been first rate.”

This strong preseason also included involvement in the Fremantle Dockers intra-club match as well as playing in practice matches for all Swan Districts senior sides.

Broad was selected in Swan Districts’ senior side for the first game of 2012 against the West Perth Falcons, but had another setback when on the Friday before the game a back injury forced him to pull out.

Playing for the reserves team in their back line though has seen Broad return to solid form, averaging 14 disposals a game and pushing to get back into a strong Swan Districs senior side.