Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has backed Tigers premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis to yet again rise to the occasion, when he takes on star Collingwood counterpart Brodie Grundy in Friday night’s preliminary final blockbuster at the MCG.

“He has a big job every week, Toby,” Hardwick said.

“He’s an incredible player.

“Every time we ask more of him, he delivers. That’s the sort of player he is.

“He always comes back well after a spell.

“He’s been shouldering the ruck load all year and we’re really confident that he’ll have a good performance.

“He’s going up against, I feel, the best ruckman in the game in Brodie Grundy, but our guy’s not far behind him, I can guarantee you.

“Our blokes love playing with him, and he’ll certainly lead from the front.”