Toby Nankervis’ value to the Richmond side is further emphasised through a look at three key statistical categories so far this season.

After eight rounds, Nankervis is ranked third among Tigers players for clearances, third for centre clearances and third for contested possessions.

When you consider the two players just shading him in each of those three important areas of the game are midfield superstars Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin, you can really appreciate Nankervis’ high level of performance.

The Richmond premiership ruckman has 30 clearances, Cotchin has 37 and Martin, 40.

He has 17 centre clearances, Cotchin, 18 and Martin, 30.

And he has 83 contested possessions compared to Martin’s 87 and Cotchin’s 98.

Overall this season, Nankervis is averaging 18.5 disposals per match, 4.4 marks, 3.9 clearances, 3.9 tackles and 22.1 hit-outs.

‘Nank’ again was one of the Tigers’ best players, in the Round 8 win against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

Opposed to a quality opponent in Todd Goldstein, he had 18 disposals, including nine contested possessions, six inside-50s, four clearances, seven tackles, 26 hit-outs and took six marks.