Foley picked up 17 possessions against the Lions, but it has been his standout consistency this year that has turned heads with the onballer having an average of 15 disposals across his 18 senior appearances.
Speaking from Punt Road on Tuesday, Foley was happy with the award as much for the recognition of a change of game style as anything else.
"I was definitely a 'grab and hack' player at VFL footy last year. I was getting the ball but probably wasn't doing a lot with it," Foley said.
"By the end of last year I realised I would have to change my game plan. I did a fair bit of work with David King over the summer and worked on run and carry and trying to use my pace a bit more.
"Once you're at an AFL club, if you good enough you'll play," Foley said.
Foley made his debut in round 10, 2005 after being elevated from the rookie list. A 47-possession VFL game in the wet at Punt Road mid-way through the year did his reputation the world of good.
The tenacious midfielder followed on to run out the 2005 season strongly with solid performances in five of the last six games that ensured his promotion to the Tigers list.
Coach Terry Wallace can't speak highly enough of his young charge.
"Nathan trains better than any of our blokes, covers off more things, goes to the assistant coaches more often and does more extra work than any of our other players and I think it's a fitting award that he gets this week," Wallace said.
"He's played some really terrific footy; super tough. He leaves no stone unturned.
Foley came to the Tigers from Colac via the Geelong Falcons and was the fourth player selected in the 2004 NAB AFL Rookie draft. He was what Wallace described as a 'terrific story' after lacking opportunity because of his size (177cm) and requiring several knee operations.
This year he has had more than 20 possessions in a single game twice, has had less than 10 only once and has kicked two goals and taken a total of 50 marks. He becomes the third Tiger behind Andrew Raines and Dean Polo to receive a nomination.
