Toby Nankervis Biography

Toby Nankervis will undergo ankle surgery after suffering a syndesmosis injury to his left ankle in the Tigers' five-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.

Richmond retains Dylan Grimes and Toby Nankervis as co-captains for the 2023 season.

"Dylan and Toby led our group and broader organisation wonderfully in 2022, complementing each other while also leading as individuals terrifically well," Richmond football performance manager Tim Livingstone said.

"We are looking forward to seeing them continue to grow with the role this upcoming season and are delighted that the group has endorsed them for another year."

Richmond appoints Toby Nankervis and Dylan Grimes as co-captains for the 2022 season.

"Dylan and Toby play football the way we think it should be played. They are tough, uncompromising, and team orientated," Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said.

Toby Nankervis credits Alex Rance as being an inspiration during his periods of rehab in 2019.

"It is challenging at times, you have to train away from the main group and I've never had to do it before. You are by yourself a lot of the time," Nankervis said.

"Alex Rance as well has been an absolute monster in rehab, he's trained harder than probably anyone I've seen and the way he's attacked it gives me such strength as well.

"He's been there the whole time, throughout everything, he's been in there … you just look at the way he goes about it and it just gives everyone a boost."

Ruckman Toby Nankervis is currently ranked 11th in the competition for winning the first possession from the centre bounce, with only midfielders ahead of him.

"I don't think it's something I've consciously worked on," Nankervis said.

"I have to have a few more tricks than blokes that are a bit taller and can jump a bit more.

"I've got to use a few of my tricks in the centre bounce."

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says Toby Nankervis should be considered among the competition's elite ruckmen following his performance in the Tigers' 43-point win over Collingwood at the MCG.

Nankervis collected a career-high 29 disposals to go with 10 marks and 7 inside-50s against the Magpies.

"He just competes. He's like another midfielder in there. Does he get beaten in ruck contests? Yeah. Does he give everything? Absolutely," Hardwick said.

"He's a fantastic player and a fantastic person. He's been a godsend for our footy club."

Toby Nankervis signs a one year contract extension with Richmond to remain at the club until the end of 2020.

After being being overlooked for the Swans' Grand Final side in 2016, Toby Nankervis has become a premiership player for the Tigers.

"I was pretty gutted to not get a game, I knew I could play AFL footy but I just wasn't getting the opportunity," he said.

"To leave the Swans was so hard but it's all worth it now.

"I spoke to a few clubs (at the end of last season) but I really got along with 'Dimma' (Damien Hardwick) from the start.

"He came across as someone who really cared about my family and about me enjoying my footy.

"That’s why I play footy, because I enjoy it, and I probably wasn't getting that at Sydney at the back end of last year.

"This year I've enjoyed my footy, I've improved so much I think, and I've got so much improvement left, but I'm going to enjoy the next couple of weeks."

Toby Nankervis is relishing his role as Richmond's primary ruck option.

"That's when I play my best footy, around the ball and in the ruck," Nankervis said.

"I love that responsibility, fulfilling my role for the team, which is what I try and do every week.

"I want to put in a big contest in the ruck and then get after it on the ground. It's pretty simple for me."

Forgotten Richmond ruckman Ivan Maric would be battling conflicting emotions this week as he jockeys for selection with cousin and potential debutant Ivan Soldo.

With No.1 ruckman Toby Nankervis suspended for this week's clash against the Western Bulldogs, the Tigers face a choice between project rookie Soldo and his 157-game mentor.

Given the amount of work Maric has put in to bring his 21-year-old cousin up to AFL standard, football manager Neil Balme said the club veteran would see the positives in whatever choice the match committee made.

"He's got some conflicting motivations I reckon, because he's doing a lot of work with our ruckmen, but particularly Soldo who he is quite close to," Balme said.

"He's still contributing enormously as a person and that's the sort of man that he is, but he would love to play seniors again, there's no doubt about that."

Toby Greene accepts a one-match ban for striking Crow David Mackay.

Nankervis was attempting to shake Mackay off when he threw an elbow back, making high contact, which was classified as careless conduct with medium impact.

Toby Nankervis has strengthened his claim on the No.1 ruck mantle at Richmond with a second successive impressive game, this time against Port Adelaide.

The former Sydney ruckman picked up 15 disposals, 22 hit-outs and kicked a goal against the Power to go with an equal team-high five tackles and 10 contested possessions.

"I think he had the leading pressure points in the game," Hardwick said.

"He's a presence down the line. He's been a really good pick-up. He's only going to get better as a player – I think he's 22 years of age. It's really exciting for us."

Several clubs are understood to be monitoring Toby Nankervis as they scour the country for quality ruckmen to add to their list.

Nankervis was All Australian at Under-18 level at Tasmanian and has been a solid performer for the Sydney Swans in the NEAFL taking 41 marks for the season.

Toby Nankervis makes his AFL debut for Sydney at the SCG with 10 disposals (7 kicks and 3 handballs), 3 marks, 2 tackles, 6 hitouts and a goal in a 10-point win over Port Adelaide.