Richmond captain Toby Nankervis has provided an honest review of the Tigers’ season, saying the Club needs to have a big summer and get better next year, while still reflecting on the positives from 2026.

The campaign yielded just three wins for Richmond but despite the results, Nankervis took solace from the fact the Club remained consistent in its approach across the season.

“Season 2026 was really tough in terms of only getting the three wins, but in saying that, I still think throughout parts of the season we were able to play a really good brand of footy but just not for long enough,” Nankervis told Richmond Media.

“The season was really frustrating at times but in saying that, I felt like we stayed really consistent throughout the year and each week we reviewed the game really honestly and trained really hard to try and rectify a few things. 

“I’m really proud of the group and the way we stuck at it but definitely we need to get a lot better.

“We need to train really hard and come back hitting the ground running to get better again and catch up to the rest of the competition because, clearly, I don't think anyone's happy with this season.”

The Tigers had eight debutants this season, as the Club’s exciting crop of youth continues to gain important exposure at AFL level.

With that youth can come some heavy margins of defeat against the AFL’s top sides, but despite that, Nankervis explained it wasn’t hard to maintain the motivation of the team.

“Against the best teams it was a bit of a reality check about the level we need to get to and the level we are striving [for],” Nankervis said.

“It wasn’t hard at all [to keep the group motivated], we are so lucky to have this job that we do. We review everything really honestly, but the energy didn’t waver all season and I’m really proud of that.”

Nankervis also praised the work of senior coach Adem Yze, who continues to drive the Club into the future.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Ooze,” Nankervis said.

“The adversity he has faced as a coach over the last few seasons…you wouldn’t know that at all. You see him on a Monday or Tuesday after a game and he is so consistent, and that is a lot easier said than done. 

“He lays a great platform for the rest of us to really attack the week and get to the next game.”

One theme of Richmond’s season was a lengthy injury list, which limited Nankervis to just 12 games, his lowest tally in six years. 

However, the captain noted through injuries came opportunity, one that plenty of Tiger youngsters grasped. 

“The injuries were a big part of the season for us, but in saying that, we're really big on each player that gets the opportunity to put the jumper on carries a massive responsibility,” Nankervis said.

“Whether you've played one game or you've played 300, it doesn't matter.

“There's a system and a way that you have to carry yourself, and I thought some of the guys that came in played really big roles for us without much experience at all, so I'm really proud of that.”

One of those players who took advantage of his increased opportunity was Oliver Hayes-Brown, who made his AFL debut this year after crossing over from the NBL just three years ago.

Key defender Noah Balta also showcased his versatility, seeing an uptick in ruck minutes throughout the season, with Nankervis full of praise of how both players helped cover his absence. 

“It was great to see Ollie Hayes-Brown come in and play some really good footy, and even at VFL level, some really strong footy he played there,” he said.

“I thought Noah [Balta], the way he came in and led the team in the ruck for a few months, he did a really great job. 

“Those guys have done a tremendous job.”

Another void that needed to be filled during Nankervis’ time on the sidelines was the all-important Richmond captaincy. 

Vice-captain Tim Taranto stepped up with class, leading the team superbly while producing at a career-best rate, while Jack Ross captained the team at times, including in the blockbuster Anzac Day Eve clash, and the Round 8 win over West Coast.

“Tim did a great job of being captain. I thought he led fantastically well all season, which he has done for a number of years now,” Nankervis said.

“Jack Ross' growth this season, in particular, has been so great, and the way he played this year, and the way he carries himself off the field, he'll be a great leader for us for many years to come.”