Richmond ruck recruit Toby Nankervis continues to make a major impression in the early part of season 2017.

Nankervis had 18 disposals, including four clearances and three inside-50 entries in the Tigers’ win against West Coast at the MCG last Saturday afternoon.

He is averaging 15.7 disposals per game in three appearances so far for his new league club, along with 4.0 marks and 22.0 hit-outs.

Only two ruckmen in the competition have a better disposals average after three games this season – Brisbane’s Stefan Martin (22.3), who will be Nankervis’ opponent at the Gabba next Sunday, and Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy (19.3).

Nankervis also is ranked 10^th competition-wide for total contested marks (six).

Among Richmond players, he is ranked first for contested marks, third for contested possessions (28), equal-third for clearances (14) and equal-third for inside-50s (11).

The 22-year-old ex-Swan has quickly earned considerable admiration from Tiger fans, coaches and teammates alike.

“He’s sort of in the mould of big Ivan Maric,” Richmond midfielder Shaun Grigg told ‘Triple M’.

“He just gives his all . . . that’s all we ask of him.

“It’s like having an extra midfielder around, he’s so good at ground level.

We’re really loving him, and what he’s brought from a good club up in Sydney, as well.

“He’s been a real asset.”