New forward Toby Nankervis primed to have big impact for Richmond against DockersShayne Hope
West Australian
18 August 2017The ruck revelation of the year could yet have his greatest impact as a marking target in attack after being thrust forward in Richmond’s hunt for a long-awaited premiership.
In an era when versatility is king, emerging big man Toby Nankervis wants to add productivity around goal to his bullocking brand of ruck work and physical approach to the contest.
The former Sydney fourth-string ruckman has been increasingly deployed up front alongside Tigers spearhead Jack Riewoldt over the past month.
And with tall teammate Shaun Hampson on the verge of a remarkable comeback from injury on the eve of the finals, Nankervis shapes as a crucial piece of the puzzle in multiple positions.
“It’s a new role for me,” Nankervis said of his time in attack.
“But if I can go forward, take a couple of marks, contribute on the scoreboard and provide some defensive pressure, as well as contribute in the ruck, then that’s going to be helpful for the team.”
Coach Damien Hardwick entered 2017 under all sorts of pressure and would’ve been tearing his hair out when Richmond’s ruck stocks were savaged early on.
Hampson, the Tigers’ first-choice ruckman last year, was placed on the long-term injury list in March with an ongoing back complaint.
Ben Griffiths battled repeated concussion episodes and it soon became apparent that much-loved veteran Ivan Maric wasn’t what he used to be.
Hardwick turned to Nankervis, a product of George Town on Tasmania’s north coast, who arrived in the system 12 months later than most and hardly got a look-in at Sydney.
The 199cm and 106kg bull was stuck behind flexible ruck options Kurt Tippett, Sam Naismith and Callum Sinclair in the Harbour City, while the Swans had a handy target called Buddy in attack.
“We had two or three other big guys and a pretty strong forward line, as well,” Nankervis said.
“It was hard for me to break in there.”
Nankervis sought a trade to Punt Road in pursuit of greater opportunity.
“It was a hard decision to make at the start,” he said.
“Everyone wants to be a one-club player, but it wasn’t to be for me.
“As soon as I got to Richmond, I just had it set that I was never going to look back. I was going to give it everything.
“I managed to complete a full pre-season and play some games in the JLT Series and that certainly gave me confidence.”
Nankervis grabbed his chance with both hands, immediately endearing himself to the Richmond faithful with two goals and 27 hit-outs in a stirring win over arch rivals Carlton in round one.
His gripping battle with Matthew Kreuzer was one of the highlights of the season opener at the MCG.
With the Tiger Army’s cult hero Maric as his mentor behind the scenes, new fan favourite ‘Nank the Tank’ went from strength to strength.
He has missed just one game, after being suspended for striking when he swung an arm back in frustration at Adelaide’s David Mackay.
It was Nankervis’ worst moment to date and came in one of only two games in which Richmond have been beaten comprehensively this season.
On return, he picked up where he left off by splitting the points with Fremantle’s Aaron Sandilands in their first career meeting.
From rounds 1 to 16, Nankervis spent 97 per cent of his game time in the ruck and was ranked by Champion Data among the league’s top big men for clearances, tackles, disposals and intercept marks. But with former basketball prospect Ivan Soldo promoted from the rookie list, Nankervis has been unleashed forward for longer stints, spending 36 per cent of his time in attack since round 17.
He is trying to fit into a forward line that has been steadily developing its chemistry.
Riewoldt is the mainstay and the fleet-footed Dan Butler, Jason Castagna and Daniel Rioli have played important roles, with superstar Dustin Martin stepping in as required.
Nankervis has had mixed results.
In round 19, the big left-footer bagged three goals in the win over Gold Coast, matching in one outing his overall tally from 12 games in three seasons with Sydney.
He kicked 1.2 a week later against Hawthorn and went scoreless from 10 disposals against Geelong last round.
Nankervis, who turned 23 last week, is the Tigers’ third-most prolific contested marker this year, behind Riewoldt and full-back David Astbury.
He will be eager to prove a point against Fremantle at Domain Stadium on Sunday.
“The forward line is somewhere I haven’t played a lot of footy, but it’s a good role for me to go down there and learn,” he said.
“Each week you want to improve and that’s a massive area where I can do that.”
Hampson has not played a senior game all year, but has returned in the VFL and could be promoted for the finals.
Griffiths is still a chance to come back from a shoulder injury sustained on his return from concussion.
The duo’s availability would ease the burden on Nankervis, who has embedded himself in the best 22 and stands ahead of Soldo in the pecking order, but is also feeling the physical toll of his first full season at AFL level.
“Especially playing in the ruck, you definitely feel it,” Nankervis said.
“But it’s something that I’ll no doubt get used to.
“I’m a bit tired and sore, but so is every other player in the comp.
“I’ve had no injuries, touch wood, so I’m ready to get into these next couple of games.”
https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/new-forward-toby-nankervis-primed-to-have-big-impact-for-richmond-against-dockers-ng-b88571904z
