Nankervis !! | PUNT ROAD END | Richmond Tigers Forum
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Nankervis !!

I reckon Nank has had knockers since he got to Punt Rd, but those knockers have gone silent 3 Septembers- he has been crucial to all our premierships, despite being short and lacking leap. He has often played his best football when we have needed him most.
Yeh, the only time he’s really lost his position in a final was the 18 prelim. And Grundy was on fire that year.

I do admit I am a little concerned he may be past his best. But he is a warrior and usually finds a way.
 
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It's February and he has a massive work load ahead.

These games are about conditioning and nothing else for him. We don't want him competing too hard yet.

One thing he could do though is some remedial work on his tackling position after stoppage.
 
Tigers' recruits already making their mark as chemistry grows

By Sarah Black
afl.com.au
10 March 2023

AS RICHMOND'S No.1 ruckman, Toby Nankervis has been working closer than most with star recruits Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper.

It's been a summer of learning for all involved, with the chemistry between ruck and midfielders key to a successful engine room.

"They've been great, it's always exciting to get new players into the team, and they've both fitted in well," Nankervis said.

"They're not only great players, but great people too, so I'm looking forward to them running out onto the 'G in Tiger colours for the first time in round one.

"They've brought some great ideas in as well, their input has been great. It'll probably take some time, coming in from another system, but I'm looking forward to that chemistry growing as the year develops."

The Tigers' forward line is heading towards an intriguing transition, with 30-year-old Tom Lynch and 34-year-old Jack Riewoldt remaining as spearheads for 2023.

But it was the form of developing youngster Samson Ryan that caught the eye of dedicated Richmond fans over pre-season.

The 22-year-old has one AFL game under his belt, thrown to the wolves against Paddy Ryder in the pouring rain in round 15, 2021. With the rest of Richmond's rucks sidelined, he recorded zero disposals and a solitary hitout.

"Lynch is a star, he had a great season last year. He's such a crucial player for us, whether it's kicking goals or just bringing the ball to ground. He's such a competitor, whether he's outnumbered or not, he brings the ball to ground, and everyone walks taller with 'Lynchy' on the field," Nankervis said.

"[Ryan has] had a great summer, he's done all the work over the last two pre-seasons in the gym and out on the track. He's a lot fitter and a lot stronger and he's got an AFL body now, I think.

"He's such a good aerial player, and his skills below his feet are very strong for his size as well. If he's not playing next week, I'm sure he'll get a go early in the season."

Nankervis is coming into his second season as co-captain with Dylan Grimes, and the softly spoken 28-year-old is now feeling more secure in his role.

"I learned a lot. The short answer is a lot," Nankervis said with a laugh and smile.

"Probably a lot of things I would have done differently. But the main thing is just to be myself. I got voted in for a reason, so to go away from that is doing a disservice to me and the team, so just to back myself in.

"Me and 'Grimesy' are working together a bit better now, so looking forward to this year as well. We're different people, but we complement each other really well. 'Grimesy' is a business owner, he's very organised and astute, while I'm a bit more on-field with the way I go about it. I'm learning so much from him, and hopefully I can help him along the way.

"There are so many rising leaders at the club. We've been so lucky to have Jack and 'Cotch' (ex-captain Trent Cotchin), as well as Alex Rance, Dave Astbury, Bachar Houli, those sorts of players who have now departed.

"Now, there's Jayden Short, Jack Graham, Liam Baker, Dion Prestia, Nick Vlastuin, Tom Lynch, the list goes on. There's such a good young group of players there who are setting the standard for the club."

https://www.afl.com.au/news/881209/tigers-recruits-already-making-their-mark-as-chemistry-grows
 
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Saw Nankervis interviewed at Captain's Day and he was asked in a lighthearted interview which player from another team he would like to join us.

His answer was Nic Naitanui which I reckon is curious on a number of levels.
 
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Saw Nankervis interviewed at Captain's Day and he was asked in a lighthearted interview which player from another team he would like to join us.

His answer was Nic Naitanui which I reckon is curious on a number of levels.
He might have deliberately picked a player that plays in his position, to not offend any team mates. I heard, I think it was Cripps, say max Gawn which is a bit of a side swipe at the blues ruck stocks. We all know it’s not and he probably just likes Gawn, but sure enough the media jumped on it, all be it light heartedly.
 
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The big man had his pants pulled down in the first half. But had an almighty second half. He worked De Koning over.
 
Not enough love for the big fella. Has been great the first two games, has improved his centre ruck craft.
 
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Not enough love for the big fella. Has been great the first two games, has improved his centre ruck craft.

If you have not heard his speech at last years JDM, then do yourself a favour and watch it. It shows us all why he was made joint captain. The man is hungry for more success. And at age 28, he is at his peak for a ruckman.
 
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Not enough love for the big fella. Has been great the first two games, has improved his centre ruck craft.

As much as I agree he has played well, I still think the turn around in the third quarter on Saturday was largely driven by his opponent getting on top, and I think Carlton's surges were much the same week 1.

It's an area of vulnerability for us, we can't afford it to happen again this week.
 
As much as I agree he has played well, I still think the turn around in the third quarter on Saturday was largely driven by his opponent getting on top, and I think Carlton's surges were much the same week 1.

It's an area of vulnerability for us, we can't afford it to happen again this week.
Agree. O'Brien smashed Nank in the 3rd quarter. Not only in the ruck but around the ground.
 
As much as I agree he has played well, I still think the turn around in the third quarter on Saturday was largely driven by his opponent getting on top, and I think Carlton's surges were much the same week 1.
Nank got 4 coaches votes against the Blue (Paper) Baggers, I suspect he might get a couple for the Crows game too.
 
Nank got 4 coaches votes against the Blue (Paper) Baggers, I suspect he might get a couple for the Crows game too.

He did get more this week and I agree he played well in both games.

Just saying a big key is him being on top because any time his opponent gets going so does the other team.
 
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:mhihi Nank refuses to give the ball back to Effie until he gets into position.

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