Sportsday Richmond captain Toby Nankervis on Membership Day (03.03.26)
Mar 3, 2026
Toby Nankervis, Richmond captain and premiership-era AFL ruckman, reflects on his move to Richmond and rising draftees. He discusses adapting to the new ruck rule and concerns about officiating. He profiles next-generation ruck and forward prospects, shares his appetite for returning to finals, and stresses professional training and recovery.
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Young Draftees Arrive Game-Ready
- Richmond's draftees arrive highly professional and impatient to play, accelerating rebuild timelines.
- Toby Nankervis notes young players train harder, prepare better and display professional habits far earlier than his generation.
Ruck Rule Creates Early Uncertainty
- The new ruck rule creates gray areas and will change how rucks compete at centre bounces.
- Toby says early free kicks indicate uncertainty and expects clarity after the opening rounds as players and umpires adapt.
Let Rucks Compete At The Ball
- Keep centre contests focused on ball competition and avoid policing marginal contact.
- Toby recommends umpires 'put the whistle away' unless two ruckmen clearly go at the ball.