Toby Nankervis yet again highlighted his importance to the Richmond team with a dominant display in last night’s 20-point victory over Brisbane at Metricon Stadium.

The triple premiership Tiger ruckman, who returned to the playing field after missing five games because of a knee injury, was a huge factor in the result.

He finished the match with 22 disposals, a game-high 18 contested possessions, four marks, a game-high and AFL career-high 10 intercepts, team-high seven clearances, game-high four centre clearances, four inside-50s, four tackles and 25 hit-outs.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick heaped praise on Nankervis during his post-game press conference.

“He was incredible. He’s a leading contested possession winner for us,” Hardwick said.

“So important to the way we play, Toby. He’s a bit of a barometer the way he leads from the front.

“The guys walk tall having him in the side.

“He was probably a little bit rusty early. In the second half, when the whips were cracking, he stood up to play his role and Mabior (Chol) supported him well.

“No doubt he’ll be better for the run with him gaining momentum going forward.”

Nankervis arrived at Metricon Stadium for the important Round 18 clash with the Lions fit and set to fire.

“I felt really good going into the game,” Nankervis said on ABC Grandstand AFL.

“The focus from the medical team and myself, when I came back, was I wanted to be ready to go, so I could have an influence. I didn’t want to be carrying anything.

“I just wanted to come back and be able to attack the game like when I play my best footy.”

Nankervis outlined how he went about his task on giant Brisbane ruckman Oscar McInerney.

“He’s a terrific ruckman, Oscar . . . Because he’s got such a long reach, I try to nullify as much as I can and just get after the ball at ground level, which I think is a strength of mine,” he said.