Toby Nankervis was at his inspirational best for Richmond in Thursday night’s rousing Round 1 win against Carlton at the MCG.

The Tigers’ strong and bold skipper and robust ruckman led the way for his young team, particularly early on when the going was at its toughest.

He kicked Richmond’s first goal and then another crucial one late in the second quarter, as the Tigers started their spirited fightback.

By the time the final siren sounded, recording a truly memorable 13-point win for Richmond, Nankervis had racked up 21 disposals, with an equal team-high 13 contested possessions, seven clearances, three rebound-50s, taken four marks, booted those two goals, had five score involvements, three intercepts, six tackles, 35 hit-outs and 329 metres gained.

It was a huge performance by Nankervis, but he played it down in typically modest style in an interview with SEN.

“I thought I had a pretty strong first half. Probably died away a little bit in the second half . . . Overall, I thought my pressure around the footy was pretty good. And was able to hit the scoreboard . . . That’s something I want to add to my game. I think rucks that can do that are so valuable,” Nankervis said.

The 30-year-old triple premiership Tiger remains “super motivated” about his playing career at Punt Road.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play in some great sides . . . I know how good it is, and I want these guys to experience what I’ve experienced,” he said.

“I’m not sure when that will be. But I know we’re building a real strong foundation at the moment to really set the Club up for sustained success, which is what the best teams do . . . That’s what we’re all striving to do.”