Richmond premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis rose to the challenge in typically determined style against his former team Sydney at Etihad Stadium last Thursday night.
Pre-game, it was anticipated that the ruck duel between Nankervis and the Swans’ much-improved big man Callum Sinclair would be a key factor in determining the outcome of the match.
Nankervis went on to decisively win that battle with his Sydney counterpart, which, in turn, helped pave the way for a comprehensive Tigers’ win.
In his 50th AFL game (38 with Richmond and 12 for Sydney), Nankervis finished with 18 disposals, four marks, three clearances, three rebound-50s, a game-high 10 tackles and his season-high total of 41 hit-outs. Sinclair, in comparison, had 10 disposals, one mark, five tackles and 39 hit-outs.
After 15 rounds of season 2018, Nankervis is averaging 16.8 disposals, 4.1 marks, 3.3 clearances, 3.9 tackles and 24.1 hit-outs per game.
Those statistical numbers stack up well against the very best ruckmen going around in the competition . . . Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy averages 21.0 disposals, 4.0 marks, 5.1 clearances, 5.1 tackles and 38.6 hit-outs, while Melbourne’s Max Gawn averages 16.8 disposals, 4.6 marks, 2.5 clearances, 2.9 tackles and 47.1 hit-outs.
Nankervis will face another stern test against Adelaide ruckman Sam Jacobs in Friday night’s clash at the MCG. But one thing is guaranteed, big ‘Nank’ will give it absolutely everything he has . . . he knows no other way out on the field of battle.
