Richmond has confirmed that Toby Nankervis will remain as the Club’s AFL captain for a fifth straight season in 2026.

The 31-year-old again stood out in the football department's annual process, which included a player and staff vote and Board endorsement.

Nankervis, who was first appointed co-captain at the beginning of 2022 with his fellow triple premiership teammate Dylan Grimes, will become just the third Tiger since 1988 (along with Trent Cotchin and Dale Weightman), to be appointed VFL/AFL captain for five straight seasons.

Nankervis (81 games) currently sits in equal 10th position with Weightman for most games captained at the Club and is in sight of higher placings and the 100-games as captain milestone this year.

Toby Nankervis leads the team out in 2025.

The hard-nosed ruckman took on sole captaincy for the first time in 2024 and has played arguably his career-best football in that time, finishing 3rd and 5th in the Jack Dyer Medal.

Nankervis averaged 15.8 disposals, 4.7 clearances, and 3.8 tackles in 2025 across 22 matches, with his ferocity and leadership important for his emerging teammates.

His clear, concise messaging, consistency and high standards are also raised by teammates as admired traits.

Tim Taranto celebrates a goal during the Round 22 clash with St Kilda.

Reigning Jack Dyer Medallist Tim Taranto has been elevated to vice-captain to support Nankervis in the role.

The midfielder, who has just turned 28, had a terrific 2025 season, polling 14 out of a possible 15 Brownlow votes in the Club’s five wins.

It was Taranto’s second Jack Dyer Medal in just three seasons at Richmond, with the gun midfielder missing eight games due to a broken wrist in the other year.

Taranto was formally included in Richmond’s leadership group for the first time last year and has continually enhanced his all-round leadership credentials throughout his time at the Club.

Jack Ross celebrates the Round 6 win against the Gold Coast SUNS.

Jack Ross has been elevated to the leadership group for the first time, with the 25-year-old to be joined by the experience of Jayden Short, Tom Lynch, and Nathan Broad.

Ross, who made his AFL debut with the Club in 2019, had a career-best season in 2025, playing in all 23 games and averaging 19 disposals.

The versatile midfielder has long been touted for his leadership traits, including his work ethic, professionalism, and team-first attitude.

Short, Lynch and Broad remain driving forces for the group, with their continued endorsement by their peers, highlighting their importance.

Richmond 2026 AFL Player Leadership Group

Toby Nankervis (captain)
Tim Taranto (vice-captain)
Tom Lynch
Jayden Short
Nathan Broad
Jack Ross (new)

Freshly elevated leaders Taranto and Ross’ pre-season will be a focus of the Club’s ‘ALL IN’ documentary, set to be released on richmondfc.com.au next week.