Nank ready to challenge top ruck duoCHRIS CAVANAGH,
Herald Sun
April 12, 2019 4:56pmRichmond big man Toby Nankervis says he is ready for the challenge of tackling the best ruck combination in the game as the Tigers look to turn around their early-season fortunes.
Nankervis will come up against Port Adelaide pair Scott Lycett and Paddy Ryder when Richmond meets the Power at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
Port Adelaide has won the hitout count in each of its first three matches and won the clearances in two of those as a result, losing only to Melbourne in Round 1, 33-30.
The Power ranks second in the competition for hit-outs, hit-outs to advantage and clearances, while Richmond ranks 17th in each of the three categories.
Nankervis said Lycett and Ryder presented a huge challenge but one that both himself and the rest of the midfield group were excited for.
“They’ve definitely been playing some terrific footy and it will be a challenge like every week but I’m just looking forward to the challenge and us as a team bouncing back from last week,” Nankervis said.
Toby Nankervis is ready to take on the Power. Picture: Getty Images
“It’s such an even comp this year. It’s just so close. Especially at Adelaide Oval, it’s always a tough task. But we can’t wait.”
Despite the Tigers making six changes for the clash on the back of a wretched injury run, Nankervis said it was no time to panic after a 1-2 start to the season.
“It is only Round 4 so we’ve got so much time to improve and I feel really confident that we’ll do that,” he said.
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