RICHMOND will likely welcome back first-choice ruckman Toby Nankervis next week, leaving the Tigers with a pleasing selection problem with its big men department.
Nankervis played in the VFL for Richmond on Friday night, in what was his second game back after a long-term groin injury.
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But coach Damien Hardwick faces a squeeze, after being pleased with ruck duo Ivan Soldo and Mabior Chol's efforts in subduing Collingwood star Brodie Grundy in Friday night's win at the MCG.
Although Grundy dominated the ruck contests, registering 36 hitouts to the Richmond pair's combined 20, he managed only nine disposals.
It was Grundy's lowest possession tally in a game since round seven, 2016.
Chol and Soldo both kicked a goal and had an impact around the ground, in an effort that Hardwick said was important as the Tigers recorded their fifth straight win.
"I was really happy with our big boys. Grundy is obviously a really good player, but I thought Soldo and Mabior did a pretty good job on him," Hardwick said post-game.
"We were really happy with their performance. We got a couple of goals out of those boys and 17 disposals out of them so we wanted to go to work on [Grundy] as best we can because he's so important in the way they play."
Hardwick said Nankervis, who was the club's ruckman in its 2017 premiership, is likely to return against Melbourne next Saturday night.
"'Nank' will put his hand up to play. He got through a half again today – I'm not exactly sure how much he did play – but he's also very important to us," he said.
"You probably think he puts his hands up to come back in the side."
The Tigers will need to replace captain Trent Cotchin (hamstring) next week, and could bring back Josh Caddy after he hurt his ankle this week, ruling him out of selection.
Midfielder Jack Ross (ankle) is also expected to be available, while mid-season draft recruit Marlion Pickett will play his first game in Richmond colours in the VFL next week after joining the club with a finger injury.
