‘I never would have thought it’ — How Grigg and Nankervis are footy’s version of hit movie TwinsSAM EDMUND,
Herald Sun
30 September 2017SHAUN Grigg, premiership ruckman.
It has a nice, if not highly unusual, ring to it.
But Grigg’s relief ruckwork for solo big man Toby Nankervis this year has had a winning ring to it as well.
And despite calls to introduce a safety net in the form of Shaun Hampson in case Nankervis goes down, this unlikely double act reminiscent of 1998 comedy Twins is ready to roll on.
Grigg, who at 190cm is 2cm shorter than Richmond wingman Kamdyn McIntosh, has relished the responsibility.
“I never would have thought it,” he said.
“I haven’t played much ruck in my life, but I’ve had good fun doing it this year and more importantly it’s good to give Nank a bit of a chop out.
“I just try to create a contest.
“The contests are so different ... if the ball bounces one way you just have to adjust and I’m just there to give a chop out and hopefully it works out all right.”
Nankervis, acquired from Sydney in the off-season, has been a revelation.
The 199cm Tasmanian has missed one game due to suspension, overcame some late-season soreness, and only calls on Grigg for short periods.
“Grigga is a pretty smart footballer and he doesn’t have to go in there for long, maybe five minutes a quarter, if that,” Nankervis said.
“We go into the game knowing that in certain times I’ll be going off and if I’m a bit tired during the game I may be able to switch with him.”
Grigg was called into the ruck by necessity in Round 2 when Ben Griffiths went down with concussion, and the Tigers have since stuck with the formula.
But it has increased dramatically in Richmond’s two finals, with Grigg involved in 18.5 per cent of all ruck stoppages — up from just 5.8 per cent in the home-and-away season.
It is a high-risk strategy described by premiership ruckman Corey McKernan as “very ballsy”, while former Richmond assistant coach Mark Williams called for the return of Hampson as back-up despite him not having played a senior game this season.
An unthinkable Nankervis injury would spell almost certain doom for a Tigers team left to confront red-hot Adelaide ruckman Sam Jacobs without anyone who could take the centre bounce.
But Grigg was unbothered by what-ifs.
“I don’t think you can think about that, planning for injuries. It’s worked out for us so far and Nank has done a terrific job for us as well,” he said.
“I do know (Jacobs) really well. He’s a class ruckman who gives their midfielders first use, and Nank is going to have to play really well to nullify him.”
Jacobs destroyed Nankervis in Round 6, amassing 26 disposals, 10 score involvements, eight inside-50s and 50 hit-outs in a monster performance.
Fresh from obliterating Geelong and Zac Smith, Jacobs again shapes as the danger, but Nankervis vowed the Crows’ big man was about to meet his match.
“I’m a completely different player to Round 6 and we’re playing completely different footy as a team,” he said.
“I definitely think I’m a better ruckman now than back then.
“Round 6 is a long time ago.”
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