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Sydney Morning Herald
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘If I did I'd probably get sacked': Bombers young gun Caddy on the risk behind that stunning goal
Everyone has seen Nate Caddy's goal against the Brisbane Lions in round 12 – an outrageous over-the-head kick that will take some beating for the AFL goal of the year award. But it was a moment against Sydney three rounds earlier that illustrated the teenage star's true value to Essendon. The excitement around the athletic key forward grows by the week and spots on the Caddy bandwagon are fast running out. That goal against the Lions was an instinctive moment, but it also allowed the Bombers to level the scores against the reigning premiers at the Gabba. That game was a season-best performance for Essendon that ended in defeat, but it was also a breakout game for the 193-centimetre Caddy, who was drafted to Tullamarine from Melbourne's nearby northern suburbs less than two years ago and just weeks ago put pen to paper on a two-year extension. Against the Swans, Caddy's gut-running was on full display in an eye-catching team goal by the Bombers – kicked by Caddy himself – after he first gathered the ball across half-back, before the Sherrin finished in his hands in the goal square. The passage of play stemmed from a facet of Caddy's game that he'd made a priority ahead of this season: improving his tank and making it one of his weapons. 'I think a real target point for me [this year] was being an elite runner,' Caddy told this masthead. The numbers show that he runs up to 15 kilometres per game. Caddy points out that in Essendon's most recent game – a loss to Fremantle at Optus Stadium in which the Bomber took another great hanger – he played every minute. 'I kind of come into the games [now] thinking that I can beat people for speed,' says Caddy. 'I try to think as a [personal motivation for me] that no one can stop me. 'That's how I think I can impact the game.' And Caddy's ability to impact games is why the plaudits are coming thick and fast. Comparisons with Geelong's aerobic dynamo and goal-kicking champion Jeremy Cameron are common. Kane Cornes says Caddy will be vying with Bulldogs phenom Sam Darcy for best-player-in-the-AFL status in five years, while Essendon legend James Hird poured out the superlatives as he dissected the passage of play involving Caddy against Sydney at Marvel Stadium. 'Watch him keep running to get himself into [the] play, and get in the goal square,' observed Hird on Nine's Footy Furnace. 'That's the work rate and the work ethic that gets you to be a star in the competition.' 'Winning the ball at half-back, running all the way down and getting a goal [near] the goal-line – that is elite running.' Ahead of his 25th game in the top flight, Caddy – who played junior footy with fellow Bomber Isaac Kako – is a focus of hope for long-suffering Essendon fans. Caddy told this masthead that he sees his long-term AFL future at Tullamarine. But he's also convinced that a two-year top-up to his initial deal, locking him in at Essendon until 2028, was the right call. 'I really liked my time at Essendon the last two years,' he said. 'To sort of go around and sign for another two more, [taking] me to the end of my fifth year, I'm really excited for what Essendon has to offer in the future. 'I think I can bring my strengths to help the club and push us in the right direction. The club have shown heaps of trust and faith in me over the time, so I had to repay them and get it done early, so there's no discussion or anything [about leaving].' Those with red-and-black blood in their veins can soak up the following words. 'I don't see myself at any other club but Essendon,' Caddy said. 'I really love the club, and it's where I see myself long-term. 'I'm not sure if Essendon would have been 100 per cent sure yet on a long-term deal, and would just [have instead preferred to] keep me on a short one for now. 'I still need to prove a lot more to be able to earn the trust to get a long contract.' The goal that kick-started the bandwagon Caddy's stunning goal against the Lions was the exclamation mark of an eye-catching third-quarter revival by the Bombers. They were pushing forward hard when Jade Gresham centred the ball from the pocket to Caddy lurking in the goal square. He pounced on the ground level ball and the rest is history. But the kick over his shoulder that levelled the scores wasn't pre-planned, or something he trained. It was entirely instinctive. Caddy is proud of the goal and, yes, he'd soak up any official recognition from the AFL. When asked about the possibility of it being adjudged goal of the year at the end of the season, Caddy's reply was immediate: 'hopefully'. 'It was just kind of an in-the-moment thing,' he said. 'I can't even explain it. 'I don't know what made me think to kick it [like that]. 'I just threw it over behind my head, and [it] went through and then I celebrated accordingly. '[But] oh no, no, I don't plan on kicking them over my head – if I did I'd probably get sacked, to be honest. 'And if I had missed that, I probably would have looked stupid, so luckily it went in.' In an era when kicks 'around the corner' at goal have become de rigueur, Caddy is conscious of focusing on the right routine for his set shots and his kicking in general play. 'I'm just trying to get as many reps in as possible – [to] keep it a really good routine,' Caddy says of his approach to goal-kicking. 'I'm still working on that and seeing what works best for me, [ensuring that] I'm really improving on that [part of my game]. 'My field kicking is something I work on a lot more as well... trying to improve that so that I can be a more dangerous AFL player and [so that] when I've got the ball in my hands I can be trusted with [it] by teammates.' 'I don't know what made me think to kick it [like that]. I just threw it over behind my head, and [it] went through and then I celebrated accordingly.' Nate Caddy on 'that' goal against the Lions A sponge for footy knowledge Only days away from turning 20, Caddy is one of the game's hottest properties. Essendon development coach and former Collingwood premiership player Travis Cloke is a strong influence, while Caddy also leans on the club's forwards assistant coach, Cam Roberts, and former Bombers big man Michael Hurley for advice. 'There's heaps of them, to be honest,' Caddy says, the enthusiasm in his voice obvious as he reflects on his trusted confidantes. It was a moment captured on live TV that illustrated Caddy's keenness to soak up information from those who've plied their trade at the top. Caddy had a post-game interview on Channel Seven in March featuring St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt. The pair had never met and the young Bomber, with the cameras still rolling, decided to hit up the hall of famer for some quick advice. Riewoldt quickly stepped aside and the two engaged in a chat about forward craft. 'I'm not sure how professional it was of me to … just walk off mid-interview to go and have a chat to the young fellow,' the St Kilda great said. Loading 'We spoke about some simple key bodywork stuff in marking contests. Like it was pretty granular. 'We've exchanged numbers – we'll catch up and have coffee.' Caddy is happy he made the first move. 'I just had a few things I wanted to ask him, and he's been really good post that [moment] as well,' the young Bomber said. 'He's obviously a really good player, and, you know, someone I really look up to because he was kind of a similar player to what I am. Caddy's willingness to be a sponge for knowledge on all things footy doesn't go unnoticed. One industry figure who's been keenly watching Caddy's career, who spoke anonymously to speak freely, said the young Bomber was constantly looking for improvement. 'Usually it takes them [footballers] until they're 22 to work that out,' the figure said. 'He's not too confident to not take counsel, if that makes sense, which just puts him in wonderful, wonderful stead.' The Kako combination The red-and-black fraternity have gone 25 years without a flag. A decade ago, they endured the drugs scandal. But having the likes of Caddy and Kako on the list has helped deliver fresh hope. 'Yeah, we're good mates,' Caddy says of his forward-line sidekick. 'We went to school together, played school footy together. We knew that once I got drafted to Essendon that we'd be teammates, because he was an Essendon NGA [next generation academy] player. 'We've also got Zak Johnson [another player who also went to Parade College]. 'We've got all three of us that are playing consistent AFL footy … from the same high school team at least two years ago. 'It's pretty cool.' Managing the hype With the hope of what Caddy could become comes the increased scrutiny and expectation – a tough juggling act for any player to manage. 'Yeah, yeah I see it,' Caddy says of the attention. Loading 'It obviously chops and changes when you have good and bad weeks. 'I'm not a pin-up boy for when everything goes wrong just yet. 'That might happen in the future, but hopefully not.' Caddy's eyes are firmly focused on the main target ahead of him – making the most of his potential to be one of the game's biggest stars. 'I've obviously got a lot to learn, and I'm the first to admit that,' he said. '[But I'm] just learning as I go, and just kind of slowly working out what works for me and how I can be a damaging AFL player.'
The Age
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The Age
‘If I did I'd probably get sacked': Bombers young gun Caddy on the risk behind that stunning goal
Everyone has seen Nate Caddy's goal against the Brisbane Lions in round 12 – an outrageous over-the-head kick that will take some beating for the AFL goal of the year award. But it was a moment against Sydney three rounds earlier that illustrated the teenage star's true value to Essendon. The excitement around the athletic key forward grows by the week and spots on the Caddy bandwagon are fast running out. That goal against the Lions was an instinctive moment, but it also allowed the Bombers to level the scores against the reigning premiers at the Gabba. That game was a season-best performance for Essendon that ended in defeat, but it was also a breakout game for the 193-centimetre Caddy, who was drafted to Tullamarine from Melbourne's nearby northern suburbs less than two years ago and just weeks ago put pen to paper on a two-year extension. Against the Swans, Caddy's gut-running was on full display in an eye-catching team goal by the Bombers – kicked by Caddy himself – after he first gathered the ball across half-back, before the Sherrin finished in his hands in the goal square. The passage of play stemmed from a facet of Caddy's game that he'd made a priority ahead of this season: improving his tank and making it one of his weapons. 'I think a real target point for me [this year] was being an elite runner,' Caddy told this masthead. The numbers show that he runs up to 15 kilometres per game. Caddy points out that in Essendon's most recent game – a loss to Fremantle at Optus Stadium in which the Bomber took another great hanger – he played every minute. 'I kind of come into the games [now] thinking that I can beat people for speed,' says Caddy. 'I try to think as a [personal motivation for me] that no one can stop me. 'That's how I think I can impact the game.' And Caddy's ability to impact games is why the plaudits are coming thick and fast. Comparisons with Geelong's aerobic dynamo and goal-kicking champion Jeremy Cameron are common. Kane Cornes says Caddy will be vying with Bulldogs phenom Sam Darcy for best-player-in-the-AFL status in five years, while Essendon legend James Hird poured out the superlatives as he dissected the passage of play involving Caddy against Sydney at Marvel Stadium. 'Watch him keep running to get himself into [the] play, and get in the goal square,' observed Hird on Nine's Footy Furnace. 'That's the work rate and the work ethic that gets you to be a star in the competition.' 'Winning the ball at half-back, running all the way down and getting a goal [near] the goal-line – that is elite running.' Ahead of his 25th game in the top flight, Caddy – who played junior footy with fellow Bomber Isaac Kako – is a focus of hope for long-suffering Essendon fans. Caddy told this masthead that he sees his long-term AFL future at Tullamarine. But he's also convinced that a two-year top-up to his initial deal, locking him in at Essendon until 2028, was the right call. 'I really liked my time at Essendon the last two years,' he said. 'To sort of go around and sign for another two more, [taking] me to the end of my fifth year, I'm really excited for what Essendon has to offer in the future. 'I think I can bring my strengths to help the club and push us in the right direction. The club have shown heaps of trust and faith in me over the time, so I had to repay them and get it done early, so there's no discussion or anything [about leaving].' Those with red-and-black blood in their veins can soak up the following words. 'I don't see myself at any other club but Essendon,' Caddy said. 'I really love the club, and it's where I see myself long-term. 'I'm not sure if Essendon would have been 100 per cent sure yet on a long-term deal, and would just [have instead preferred to] keep me on a short one for now. 'I still need to prove a lot more to be able to earn the trust to get a long contract.' The goal that kick-started the bandwagon Caddy's stunning goal against the Lions was the exclamation mark of an eye-catching third-quarter revival by the Bombers. They were pushing forward hard when Jade Gresham centred the ball from the pocket to Caddy lurking in the goal square. He pounced on the ground level ball and the rest is history. But the kick over his shoulder that levelled the scores wasn't pre-planned, or something he trained. It was entirely instinctive. Caddy is proud of the goal and, yes, he'd soak up any official recognition from the AFL. When asked about the possibility of it being adjudged goal of the year at the end of the season, Caddy's reply was immediate: 'hopefully'. 'It was just kind of an in-the-moment thing,' he said. 'I can't even explain it. 'I don't know what made me think to kick it [like that]. 'I just threw it over behind my head, and [it] went through and then I celebrated accordingly. '[But] oh no, no, I don't plan on kicking them over my head – if I did I'd probably get sacked, to be honest. 'And if I had missed that, I probably would have looked stupid, so luckily it went in.' In an era when kicks 'around the corner' at goal have become de rigueur, Caddy is conscious of focusing on the right routine for his set shots and his kicking in general play. 'I'm just trying to get as many reps in as possible – [to] keep it a really good routine,' Caddy says of his approach to goal-kicking. 'I'm still working on that and seeing what works best for me, [ensuring that] I'm really improving on that [part of my game]. 'My field kicking is something I work on a lot more as well... trying to improve that so that I can be a more dangerous AFL player and [so that] when I've got the ball in my hands I can be trusted with [it] by teammates.' 'I don't know what made me think to kick it [like that]. I just threw it over behind my head, and [it] went through and then I celebrated accordingly.' Nate Caddy on 'that' goal against the Lions A sponge for footy knowledge Only days away from turning 20, Caddy is one of the game's hottest properties. Essendon development coach and former Collingwood premiership player Travis Cloke is a strong influence, while Caddy also leans on the club's forwards assistant coach, Cam Roberts, and former Bombers big man Michael Hurley for advice. 'There's heaps of them, to be honest,' Caddy says, the enthusiasm in his voice obvious as he reflects on his trusted confidantes. It was a moment captured on live TV that illustrated Caddy's keenness to soak up information from those who've plied their trade at the top. Caddy had a post-game interview on Channel Seven in March featuring St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt. The pair had never met and the young Bomber, with the cameras still rolling, decided to hit up the hall of famer for some quick advice. Riewoldt quickly stepped aside and the two engaged in a chat about forward craft. 'I'm not sure how professional it was of me to … just walk off mid-interview to go and have a chat to the young fellow,' the St Kilda great said. Loading 'We spoke about some simple key bodywork stuff in marking contests. Like it was pretty granular. 'We've exchanged numbers – we'll catch up and have coffee.' Caddy is happy he made the first move. 'I just had a few things I wanted to ask him, and he's been really good post that [moment] as well,' the young Bomber said. 'He's obviously a really good player, and, you know, someone I really look up to because he was kind of a similar player to what I am. Caddy's willingness to be a sponge for knowledge on all things footy doesn't go unnoticed. One industry figure who's been keenly watching Caddy's career, who spoke anonymously to speak freely, said the young Bomber was constantly looking for improvement. 'Usually it takes them [footballers] until they're 22 to work that out,' the figure said. 'He's not too confident to not take counsel, if that makes sense, which just puts him in wonderful, wonderful stead.' The Kako combination The red-and-black fraternity have gone 25 years without a flag. A decade ago, they endured the drugs scandal. But having the likes of Caddy and Kako on the list has helped deliver fresh hope. 'Yeah, we're good mates,' Caddy says of his forward-line sidekick. 'We went to school together, played school footy together. We knew that once I got drafted to Essendon that we'd be teammates, because he was an Essendon NGA [next generation academy] player. 'We've also got Zak Johnson [another player who also went to Parade College]. 'We've got all three of us that are playing consistent AFL footy … from the same high school team at least two years ago. 'It's pretty cool.' Managing the hype With the hope of what Caddy could become comes the increased scrutiny and expectation – a tough juggling act for any player to manage. 'Yeah, yeah I see it,' Caddy says of the attention. Loading 'It obviously chops and changes when you have good and bad weeks. 'I'm not a pin-up boy for when everything goes wrong just yet. 'That might happen in the future, but hopefully not.' Caddy's eyes are firmly focused on the main target ahead of him – making the most of his potential to be one of the game's biggest stars. 'I've obviously got a lot to learn, and I'm the first to admit that,' he said. '[But I'm] just learning as I go, and just kind of slowly working out what works for me and how I can be a damaging AFL player.'
Herald Sun
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Melbourne Demons rocked by Clayton Oliver AFL trade period report, max Gawn responds
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Melbourne captain Max Gawn has dismissed reports superstar midfielder Clayton Oliver wants out of the club, again, calling it a 'beat up in May' but couldn't guarantee they would be teammates in 2026. Oliver didn't make the trip to Perth with his teammates for Saturday's clash with West Coast after being given a break from the club after 'a difficult week personally'. It moved to reignite speculation the 27-year-old, who is contracted to the Demons until 2030 on a deal worth upwards of $1.5m a year, wanted a fresh start. Nine's Tom Morris reports Oliver is 'invested' in the Dees and 'loves' the club, but would simply prefer a new beginning. 'My understanding is he does want a fresh start again at the end of the year. This conversation will happen at the end of the season, as it has the last two seasons,' Morris said on Footy Furnace. Max Gawn (left) and Clayton Oliver (right). 'Then it will be up to Melbourne how they want to deal with it. It's nothing against the Demons, it's just a change of environment and change of scenery he'd prefer. Whether it's Geelong or somewhere else.' Oliver met with players and officials from Geelong during the off-season but Melbourne had no interest in letting him go and he stated his commitment to the club. Gawn, who opened his house to Oliver during a turbulent 2024, said things could change at the end of the season but his focus was on his teammate being happy. 'Clayton, there's going to be stories about him until we are done,' Gawn said on Monday. 'He made a very mature decision to spend the week off this week. It's been a big eight weeks for him ... he felt like he was getting a bit overwhelmed and wanted a week off. Max Gawn is in Clayton Oliver's corner. Picture: Andrew Henshaw 'For his future, I am week by week with Clayton and the club. All I care is about him getting up for Hawthorn, doing it with a smile on his face, and whatever happens at the end of the year happens.' Gawn said he and his teammates would continue to support Oliver, not react to weekly news items, knowing any decisions made now 'could change by August'. 'I've lived with a lot of these stories. Some stay, some go,' he told Mick in the Morning on Triple M. 'It's all a beat-up in May. I could make a decision … that could change by August. The May story is really nothing. 'I'm going to pretend it hasn't been written. Nothing to see here. He's coming over for a sauna tonight.' Oliver was given the rest after an 'open dialogue' with the club but is expected to be available for this weekend's clash with Hawthorn. — with
Perth Now
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Demons rocked by report, captain responds
Melbourne captain Max Gawn has dismissed reports superstar midfielder Clayton Oliver wants out of the club, again, calling it a 'beat up in May' but couldn't guarantee they would be teammates in 2026. Oliver didn't make the trip to Perth with his teammates for Saturday's clash with West Coast after being given a break from the club after 'a difficult week personally'. It moved to reignite speculation the 27-year-old, who is contracted to the Demons until 2030 on a deal worth upwards of $1.5m a year, wanted a fresh start. Nine's Tom Morris reports Oliver is 'invested' in the Dees and 'loves' the club, but would simply prefer a new beginning. 'My understanding is he does want a fresh start again at the end of the year. This conversation will happen at the end of the season, as it has the last two seasons,' Morris said on Footy Furnace. Max Gawn (left) and Clayton Oliver (right). Credit: Supplied 'Then it will be up to Melbourne how they want to deal with it. It's nothing against the Demons, it's just a change of environment and change of scenery he'd prefer. Whether it's Geelong or somewhere else.' Oliver met with players and officials from Geelong during the off-season but Melbourne had no interest in letting him go and he stated his commitment to the club. Gawn, who opened his house to Oliver during a turbulent 2024, said things could change at the end of the season but his focus was on his teammate being happy. 'Clayton, there's going to be stories about him until we are done,' Gawn said on Monday. 'He made a very mature decision to spend the week off this week. It's been a big eight weeks for him ... he felt like he was getting a bit overwhelmed and wanted a week off. Max Gawn is in Clayton Oliver's corner. Andrew Henshaw Credit: News Corp Australia 'For his future, I am week by week with Clayton and the club. All I care is about him getting up for Hawthorn, doing it with a smile on his face, and whatever happens at the end of the year happens.' Gawn said he and his teammates would continue to support Oliver, not react to weekly news items, knowing any decisions made now 'could change by August'. 'I've lived with a lot of these stories. Some stay, some go,' he told Mick in the Morning on Triple M. 'It's all a beat-up in May. I could make a decision … that could change by August. The May story is really nothing. 'I'm going to pretend it hasn't been written. Nothing to see here. He's coming over for a sauna tonight.' Oliver was given the rest after an 'open dialogue' with the club but is expected to be available for this weekend's clash with Hawthorn. — with
News.com.au
28-04-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘It was massive': St Kilda coach Ross Lyon's blow up exposed
Ross Lyon had had enough when he faced his players after Saturday's painful loss to Brisbane. The veteran coach reportedly gave his players a spray for the ages after their sluggish performance during a 45-point thumping at the hands of the reigning premiers at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every AFL match this Saturday LIVE. Catch all the action in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Lyon did little to hide his emotions throughout the day and was in a mood right from the second quarter when 19-year-old midfielder Hugo Garcia was sensationally yanked from the field and subbed out after four disposals and one tackle. The Saints were down by five goals at the time. The former Fremantle coach was also seen giving Garcia a spray on the sideline. It has now emerged the whole team copped a barrage after the final siren. 'My information post-game is that Ross Lyon gave an all-time Ross Lyon spray behind the scenes to the team – and it was massive,' leading footy journo Tom Morris told Channel 9's Footy Furnace. 'I think everyone in that room will remember it for a very, very long time.' Essendon legend James Hird pointed out Lyon could be a 'scary man' if he became worked up enough. 'I've never actually copped a spray from Ross Lyon, but seeing what I saw at Marvel Stadium on the weekend with Hugo Garcia I'm glad I didn't,' Hird told Nine. 'Ross at his best is a scary man. What a wonderful coach he has been, but when he gets up a head of steam, you don't want to be in his way.' Lyon looked fired up when he barked at his players at quarter time. The 58-year-old was also prickly with reporters in his post-game press conference. He conceded his quarter-time bake was the most animated he'd been since he returned to the club last year. Lyon said he was particularly frustrated by his side's inability to turn first possessions into clearances after St Kilda was restricted to just six inside 50s in the first quarter. 'It's not personal … how about show some fortitude and hang onto the ball and get it going our way,' Lyon said of the quarter-time message. 'We had it, but … our ability to control the ball and exit the ball in a manner that's expected was bottom end. 'You win the ball, first possession off the ruck's hand and (Brisbane are) too big and strong and strip it or we just flick it out flippantly and the ball gets swept away, that's what happened a lot. 'After quarter time they responded to that … not a spray, yeah I was animated.' Although there was an upturn in performance following the first break, Lyon was left frustrated. '(It) tells you mentally that they weren't tuned in to the conditions of their opponent like they need to be, that was really disappointing,' he added of the opening term. Lyon has shown in the past two weeks that he isn't afraid to pull the trigger and make an early sub. In last week's loss to the Bulldogs, Liam Henry was taken off at half-time, and on Saturday it was Hugo Garcia who was taken out of the clash midway through the second term. Despite being reduced to just three on the interchange later in the match after Mason Wood was concussed, Lyon said he had no regrets regarding the early sub. 'I live in the world of action, right? You'd sit there and go, why'd they pull the sub, I pulled the sub to try and get something done,' Lyon said. 'Sometimes I just get to the roll the eyes stage, sometimes you've just got to stop talking about it and go bang.' The Saints efficiency inside 50 was just 39.5 per cent which is well below their season average, and Lyon lamented his side's ball use. 'We just slaughtered the ball which is just demoralising, and (Brisbane) are that good they go bang bang and people are hanging their heads, which we don't normally do,' Lyon said. 'Later with the ball, we had some good passages but we're not executing at a high enough standard for long enough. 'When we won the ball and got some territory I thought we looked dangerous and (Brisbane) had to respond and they did. 'We've got a lot of work to do but we know where we're headed, we're not deviating.' The Saints fell by 71 points to the Bulldogs last week after a 28-point loss to GWS at Gather Round. Saturday's loss was the first time since Lyon returned to St Kilda that the Saints had conceded over 100 points for three weeks in a row. They next face Fremantle at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
