How the presence of Nankervis could have changed fortunes on Anzac Eve (SEN)

[one-eyed]

HOW THE PRESENCE OF ONE KEY TIGER COULD HAVE CHANGED FORTUNES ON ANZAC EVE

By Seb Mottram
SEN
25 April 2023

Josh Jenkins believes Toby Nankervis is the injured Tiger that Richmond missed most in its loss to Melbourne on Anzac Eve.

The Tigers spent more than 70 minutes of Monday night’s MCG clash in front and led by more than four goals in the second term.

But Melbourne’s big names got to work in the second half, particularly Brodie Grundy, to eventually down Damien Hardwick’s side by 18 points.

Given Richmond’s injury woes, Geelong ruck coach Jenkins was impressed by their overall performance.

“This is a real transition period for the Tigers to figure out what they’ve got and how they want to play,” Jenkins told SEN Breakfast.

“I just think that they clearly won premierships on the back of chaos and speed and energy on the ball and on the game, but (they) bring in some guys who don’t necessarily play the game that way and investing a lot in them, it’s a real transition for them.

“What I saw last night from them, particularly for two and a half quarters with a lot of cattle out (was very impressive).”

However, Jenkins suggested the Tigers could have recorded their second win of the season had co-captain Nankervis played.

The ruckman is still 3-5 weeks away with an ankle injury, but his influence was missed against the dominant Grundy/Max Gawn duo.

Ben Miller and Samson Ryan – 23 and 22 years of age respectively – were set the task of quelling the All-Australian pairing, and despite starting strong, faded as the contest wore on.

“You can mount an argument they win the game with Nankervis. It’s twofold because Nankervis at least limits some of the dominance, particularly from Grundy in the second half,” Jenkins added.

“Grundy’s second-half domination was significant, putting the ball to all parts of the circle. It’s okay to have a ruckman who’s not getting his hand on it, but if you can force the opposition ruckman to put it to a predictable spot, at least you can get in the fight.

“Grundy was swiping it wherever he wanted to.

“If Nankervis stays in the ruck it's not as dominant in favour of Melbourne and then (Noah) Balta doesn’t have to come away from (Jacob) Van Rooyen… I think you can mount a strong case to say if Nankervis plays, Richmond probably wins that game of footy.

“Which is great because they’ve got so many others out.”

Richmond was also missing Nathan Broad, Tom Lynch, Jack Graham, Josh Gibcus, Ivan Soldo, Robbie Tarrant and others on Monday night.

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/04/24/how-the-presence-of-one-key-tiger-could-have-changed-fortunes-on-anzac-eve/

[WilliamPowell]

Hmmmm

Just my opinion but Josh I very much doubt it

[rogerd3]

Hmmmm

Just my opinion but Josh I very much doubt it

Lynch is the one.

[Andyy]

Hmmmm

Just my opinion but Josh I very much doubt it

Lynch is the one.

100% although you have to wonder how less impactful Jack may have been as a #2 target but I still agree.

[the claw]

I think against Grundy Nankervis has matched up well against over the years.
People say Nankervis has been poor in the ruck and they may be right but what he has done most games is get his hand to the ball in the contest probably more than most  other ruckman this year.

Really believe where we miss him most is his tackling clearances and contested ball after the ruck contest. Both Gawn and Grundy dominated in this. Melbourne is one team where you would pick both Soldo and Nankervisto play if they were available.

Gawn and Grundy had 8cl. 21cp, 8 if, and took 6 c/m in this i think is where Nankervis would have made a bigger difference cm aside.

[PoppyTige]

Nankervisto

Is that one of Zorko's magician mates?