Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was pleased with the progress made by premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis throughout his return match at AFL level in last Saturday night’s qualifying final against Brisbane at the Gabba.
Nankervis missed the final two rounds of the home-and-away season through groin soreness related to an adductor injury he sustained back in Round 8.
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He then was the hero for the VFL Tigers in their qualifying final victory over Essendon, kicking the match-winning goal, before earning his recall to the senior side last Saturday night.
The robust 25-year-old shared the ruck duties with the much-improved Ivan Soldo and had 24 hit-outs to go with five disposals, five tackles and six one-percenters.
“I thought he got better as the game went on . . . The difference in speed from AFL to VFL is quite significant, and he just got better,” Hardwick said.
“He’s such a brute and I think our players play better having him in the side.
“I was really pleased with both Soldo (25 hit-outs, seven disposals, four clearances and four tackles) and ‘Nank’ tonight.
“He (Nankervis) probably could have got a couple of marks up inside 50, but just couldn’t quite grab them.
“I’m sure going forward he’ll be a lot better for the run.
“It’s important to us.”
