Richmond ruck recruit Toby Nankervis is ready to seize his senior opportunity following a strong pre-season at Tigerland.

Nankervis, who joined the Tigers in last year’s AFL trade period, after managing just 12 senior games over three seasons with Sydney, has displayed an exemplary work ethic throughout the brief time at his new football home.

He’s particularly impressed senior coach Damien Hardwick with his aggression, and physical approach to on-field contests.

As a result, Nankervis now is in line to be Richmond’s No. 1 ruckman for the blockbuster 2017 season-opener against Carlton at the MCG on Thursday, March 23.

“I just want to be able to play more senior footy and realise more what it is about,” Nankervis told ‘Fairfax Media’.

“Playing against better opposition will make me better as well, but the improvement will come from me.

“I'm 22 and I've got that confidence that my best footy is still in front of me . . . I just want to work as hard as I can on the track to get fit and strong and give myself the best opportunity to play AFL footy.

“When I got to Sydney, I was told that not being overly tall for an AFL ruckman, I need to be able to go forward and kick goals . . . If I can do that here, it will be massive for the side.”

Nankervis is impressed with the vibe at Punt Road in the lead-up to the 2017 season . . . 

“From what I have heard, it has changed a lot here over the last few years, and the new coaches and new players the Club has brought in have been great.

“They are really young and really enthusiastic people and the work-rate from the young kids really stood out for me when I first got here.”