Richmond ruck recruit Toby Nankervis further underlined his value to the Tigers with a stirring last-quarter performance against Essendon in last Saturday night’s ‘Dreamtime at the G’ encounter.

Seven of Nankervis’ 13 disposals for the match came in the frenetic final term, including his inspirational, match-sealing goal, followed by a match-saving mark deep in defence.

With Richmond clinging to a nine-point lead and a couple of minutes still to play, Nankervis received a handball from Shane Edwards and calmly slotted through a goal from 50 metres out.

Bid on Toby's match-worn Dreamtime guernsey from Saturday night's win

Shortly afterwards, with the Bombers pressing inside their forward-50, Nankervis took an excellent intercept mark and chewed up some valuable time before driving the ball out of danger.

“I didn’t do much before that . . . but to get that goal was a bit of relief. We had a bit of breathing room,” Nankervis told Channel Seven in the Richmond rooms post-game.

Nankervis then detailed his quick switch from goal-kicker to goal-saver . . .

“I just wanted to get back there and get hold of the footy and milk down the clock,” he said.

“The last three weeks had been heartbreaking for us. We’ve worked so hard and done so much work, and just to get the result tonight was outstanding.”

Nankervis is thriving at Tigerland following his transfer from Sydney in last year’s AFL trade period.

He’s cemented himself as Richmond’s No. 1 ruckman and is averaging 15.0 disposals and 26.4 hit-outs per game.

“They’ve (Richmond) been outstanding for me and I’ve learnt so much already. I’ve played nine games this year and each week I feel like I’m improving,” he said.

“I had enormous confidence in myself . . . I think the frustrating thing in Sydney was not being able to play back-to-back games.

“I was in for two or three games, then back to the reserves, and come back in for a couple.

“Just to be able to play a few games in-a-row, you just get so much confidence out of that, I think.”

Richmond great Matthew Richardson paid a huge tribute to Nankervis in his post-match comments on Channel Seven.

“I’m a biased judge, but I think he’s the recruit of the year,” Richardson said.

“Richmond gave up nothing to get him, and he’s become their No. 1 ruckman and is having a massive impact in a short amount of time.

“So, really good recruiting from Richmond there.”