TOBY Nankervis has strengthened his claim on the No.1 ruck mantle at Richmond with a second successive impressive game, this time against Port Adelaide.

With Shaun Hampson yet to feature in the JLT Community Series, former Sydney ruckman Nankervis picked up 15 disposals, 22 hit-outs and kicked a goal against the Power.

His competitiveness was a plus, with an equal team-high five tackles and 10 contested possessions.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said Nankervis had plenty of room for improvement as he matured.

"I think he had the leading pressure points in the game," Hardwick said.

"He's a presence down the line. He's been a really good pick-up. He's only going to get better as a player – I think he's 22 years of age. It's really exciting for us." 

Nankervis played seven games for the Swans last year as he was stuck behind Kurt Tippett, Sam Naismith and Callum Sinclair in the big-man pecking order.

The Tigers have a six-day break before they face Collingwood next Saturday in Moe, Victoria. Hardwick wasn't impressed.

"It's incredibly baffling, to be perfectly honest. It just staggers me. We're playing practice matches and we've got six-day breaks," he said.

Shane Edwards will play in that game after he was left out on Sunday, suffering from a virus.

Hardwick was happy to see his side win the contested ball count 136-123, after it ranked 12th in the competition for that stat last year.

"Our game over the previous three years (2013-15) has been built off the back of contested ball," he said.

"We were disappointed in that factor last year and our contested ball and clearance numbers have been a lot more steady in the first two games."