Richmond coach Adem Yze has paid tribute to club captain and inspirational triple premiership ruckman, Toby Nankervis, who returned to the line-up for the Round 1 match against Carlton at the MCG last night after battling with a foot injury during the pre-season.

Nankervis was excellent first-up in season 2024 with 19 disposals, 12 contested possessions, three marks, a game-high eight clearances, six rebound-50s, five score involvements, a game-high eight tackles and 21 hit-outs.

“He’s an amazing leader of our footy club,” Yze said in his post-match press conference.

09:36

Round 1: Yze post-match

Adem Yze speaks with media following the Round 1 clash with Carlton

“He’s in contest and he’s fighting when we send it down the line.

“Not only that, we were up against a team that likes to go down the line and take contested marks, and he was in a heap of those contests.

01:46

'With a few players going down, was a brave effort' - Nankervis

Toby Nankervis speaks with Channel 7 following the sides loss to Carlton.

“His ruck craft, he’s been working really hard on it.

“The guys love having him in there.

“There’s no secret having our captain back was a big bonus for us."