Premier Richmond key defender Alex Rance has paid a glowing tribute to his backline teammate Dylan Grimes, who was rock-solid again yesterday in the convincing victory over Collingwood at the MCG.

Grimes’ statistical numbers may be modest (averaging 9.3 disposals per game this season), but his worth to the Tigers’ team is immense, as Rance attested.

“He’s just the glue of our backline. Him and ‘Broady’ (Nathan Broad) can both play tall and small and they’ve got phenomenal tanks and just a never-give-up attitude, which is what you need down back, Rance told 3AW.

“I love playing with him because I know what I’m going to get from him . . . I know that he’s reliable and a really good teammate.

“I’m very pleased that he’s on my side.”

Rance also praised robust Richmond ruckman Toby Nankervis following his sterling performance yesterday against highly-rated Collingwood opponent Brodie Grundy.

“He’s pretty special . . . just a brute competitor,” Rance said.

“Reminds me of a (Shane) Mumford, with a touch more athleticism, just with the aggressive presence that he brings.

“He certainly lifts the mojo of the midfield group and us (defenders), when he’s taking chop-out marks down back . . .”