How Nate Caddy’s sheer leadership steered Parade to Herald Sun Shield victory

Nate Caddy’s on-field AFL Draft prospects are well known but it’s his way of thinking you might not know much about. He gives us an insight to his commitment to school footy.

web Leader Nate Caddy of Parade College

“Do I need the other medal?” Nate Caddy asked.

When the top-draft prospect was asked for a post-game interview after Parade’s Herald Sun Shield win, he asked if the “other medal” – his best-on-ground medallion – was required.

He scampered to his bag in search of it while tightly holding his dangling premiership medallion.

It was obvious which accolade meant more to him.

Caddy is the nephew of Richmond premiership player Josh but is carving out his own name in any jumper he wears.

Richmond’s Tom Lynch awarding Nate Caddy with his “other medal”. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

(Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

On Wednesday, the dynamic player showed his versatility, playing in all three sections of the ground and displaying leadership beyond his years.

After Parade was reduced to 17 players for the second time in the match early in the second quarter, Maribyrnong took the lead with two quick goals.

It needed a leader and Caddy stood up.

“We kind of went through a stage where we were a bit undisciplined, there was a bit of tension between the two teams at that time,” he said.

“I kind of got the boys together, Noah Scott and Kristian Lawson, who were a bit angry and thought they were a bit stiff.

“We had to realise that we’re not in a wrestling match, we’re in a game of footy, and they’re bringing it to us, so we have to turn our heads and go harder to win this game.

“We ended up kicking two to get back up, which was good.”

Caddy shrugs a tackle. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

(Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

With a mountain of commitments this year, he doesn’t have to play for his school side but it’s an opportunity he couldn’t pass up and knows he will miss.

“I go to school there and to play with my best mates, we really have a bond,” he said.

“I know I am going to regret not cherishing it enough, I am really going to miss it, being with my mates, going there and having a bit of fun but also taking footy serious at the same time.

“We have got some pretty good footballers and I like to associate myself with good footballers – that’s the reason I turn up every Friday morning and Wednesday.”

He soaked in the late stages of the win, understanding the enormity of his school’s achievement.

“I just sat there, enjoyed it, looked at the crowd and got around my teammates to really enjoy it for that last 10 minutes or so,” he said.

“We won a certain number of years ago and everyone talks about how they won.

“Now we’ve gone and won the Herald Sun Shield as well, this team puts its name in the history books – everyone will remember how the 2023 team broke the drought.

“I am really fortunate and happy that I am with this group of boys, I am really proud.”