Five-time Hawthorn premiership champion centre half-forward, and now respected AFL football commentator, Dermott Brereton, rates Richmond ruck recruit Toby Nankervis’ form in the JLT Community Series as the major positive of the Tigers’ pre-season.

Nankervis, who joined Richmond from Sydney during last year’s trade period, has produced two eye-catching performances for his new club – firstly, against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium, and then v Port Adelaide at Mt Gambier last Sunday.

The 22-year-old has showcased a keen appetite for the contest, along with good skills and impressive mobility for a player of his build (199cm and 106kg).

“Nankervis is going to be as good as they could hope for,” Brereton said on SEN.

“He is genuinely big – long levers, long limbs – and I reckon he’s going to be a big acquisition for them.”

“Of all their players who restrict the opposition and tackle, his average for tackles per game is better than anyone existing at Richmond already.”