RICHMOND ruckman Toby Nankervis could be the key to victory in Saturday night's clash against North Melbourne, with coach Damien Hardwick putting a premium on the coalface battle.

Nankervis has been one of the recruits of the year since crossing from Sydney, but he faces a challenge against All Australian big man Todd Goldstein at Etihad Stadium.    

The Tigers have won the clearance battle once in the past five games (against Fremantle), and have come out in front in contested ball only once (against Greater Western Sydney).

Hardwick said getting on top in the midfield would be the key to notching back-to-back wins, with Nankervis particularly important to the Tigers' chances. 

"He's been really impressive, 'Nank'," the coach said.  

"Goldstein played 97 per cent game time last week in the ruck, he might have had one rotation, so it's going to be a big job for 'Nank'. 

"He mightn't get him in the hit-outs, but we're really confident in 'Nank' at ground level.

"It's going to be another good contest for him. He's held his head up high in the first 10 rounds and we're looking for that to continue.

"We've got to make sure we control that inside contest as best we can and then manage the outside of the contest also."

Nankervis ranks No.20 in the AFL for hit-outs (26.4), but among that ground of ruckmen he ranks No.6 for clearances (3.8), No.5 for tackles (4.0) and No.5 for disposals (15.0).

Goldstein averages more hit-outs (33.2), but is shaded by Nankervis in clearances (2.9), tackles (3.1) and disposals (13.8).