Toby Nankervis’ initial desire to remain with Sydney and continue resolutely striving to try and establish himself as a regular member of its line-up, notwithstanding the strong competition among the Swans’ playing group for senior places, further enhanced his appeal to Richmond during the AFL’s recent trade period.

The Tigers had earmarked the young ruckman as the type of player who could bolster their big man stocks, and knew they could provide him with greater opportunity than at Sydney, where he was competing against the likes of Kurt Tippett, Callum Sinclair and Stan Naismith.

But, such is the quality of character of the 22-year-old, originally from the north-east Tasmanian town Georgetown, he was prepared to take his stand his ground at Sydney and fight hard to prove himself.

In the end, though, Richmond’s persistence paid dividends, and it was able to convince Nankervis that Tigerland was where his league football future would be best served.

“He’s that sort of kid that he was very keen to stay (at Sydney), even though it was fairly clear they had quite a few in front of him, and clearly had some issues in paying him what he’d like to be paid . . ,” Richmond’s General Manager – Football Neil Balme said on 3AW.

“That was one of the reasons we were attracted to him . . . he’s a really solid, loyal kid, who just wants to do his best. 

“He’s not selfish about it, but when he finally saw that there’s a much bigger opportunity at our club, than there would be at Sydney, he decided to come down. 

“We’re really pleased he’s here . . . He’s only played a dozen games or so, but he’s always looked very lively, he’s pretty good up forward as well, and he’s a very willing, competitive kid. 

“So he’ll get his opportunity with us, for sure.”