It’s early days in the 2025 season, but Richmond captain Toby Nankervis is displaying the best form of his 160-game AFL career (148 games with the Tigers, 12 games for Sydney).

Nankervis’ numbers are way up in several key statistical categories. He is averaging 18.3 disposals per match (15.3 career average), 12.7 contested possessions (8.6 career average), 7.3 clearances (3.6 career average), 3.3 inside-50s (2.0 career average), 4.3 score involvements (3.9 career average), 36.3 hit-outs (25.1 career average) and 239.3 metres gained (158.7 career average).

The triple Tiger premiership ruckman is currently ranked second in the competition for hit-outs, fifth for stoppage clearances and sixth for clearances.

His performance in Richmond’s Round 3 loss to St Kilda at Marvel Stadium earned him high praise post-game from coach Adem Yze.

Nankervis had 21 disposals, a team-high 16 contested possessions, three marks, seven clearances, three inside-50s, six score involvements, 35 hit-outs and 295 metres gained.

“He’s trying so hard and that’s why he is the captain,” Yze said in his press conference.

“He’s an amazing person, an amazing character, and he’s a very, very good ruckman.

“We needed two of him out there today.”