Toby Nankervis assumed the sole captaincy role for Richmond in last night’s crucial clash with Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval due to the absence of the Club’s injured co-skipper Dylan Grimes, and he responded to the challenge in a trademark strong, bold manner.

The triple premiership Tiger top ruckman was dominant throughout the contest and a major factor in the team’s decisive 38-point win.

He finished the match with an equal AFL career-high 29 disposals, 14 contested possessions, four marks, seven inside-50s, an equal game-high and career-high seven stoppage clearances, five intercepts, five score involvements, three tackles, six one-percenters, a season-high 42 hit-outs and 304 metres gained.

They are huge statistical numbers for a ruckman, more befitting of a pure midfielder and further highlighting Nankervis’ immense value to the Richmond side.

Nankervis was typically modest in a post-game interview with Richmond Media, preferring to focus on the team’s overall effort on the night.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game at Adelaide Oval, it always is against Port . . . it was a great team performance, I thought,” he said.

“It was great to get a four-quarter performance. I think that’s our best four-quarter performance for a while. So, definitely take some confidence out of that.”