Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was full of praise for the efforts of his ruck combination of Ivan Soldo and Toby Nankervis in combating West Coast superstar Nic Naitanui in last night’s big clash at Metricon Stadium.

Naitanui had been in outstanding form leading into the match, but the two Tiger premiership ruckmen were able to curb his influence, and that went a long way to Richmond winning.

Soldo had the same number of hit-outs as Naitanui (22), as well as nine disposals, three marks, and he kicked a goal.

Nankervis, in his first match since Round 5, after recovering from a syndesmosis injury, had 14 disposals, an equal game-high six tackles, nine hit-outs, and also kicked a goal. 

‘’I thought they did a great job,” Hardwick said.

“He’s (Naitanui) incredible to watch . . . It’s amazing. He’s got that incredible trait where he can hit the ball and he can then follow up and get it.

“He’s just such an electric player to watch in full flight, but I was really, really pleased with Nankervis and Soldo in that part of the game.

“We thought that was the one area that if they do get a run-on, it’s going to hurt us, and our guys did a pretty good job . . .”