YOU could almost forgive a ruckman for having a quiet start in the AFL ranks, considering it is a role that traditionally takes some time to grow into at the highest level.
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But George Town’s Toby Nankervis wasn’t going by that playbook on Thursday night when he ran out for Sydney for the first time, playing an impressive role in the Swans’ win over Port Adelaide.
Starting at full forward with Alipate Carlile as an opponent, the 20-year-old’s clean skills for a big man were immediately noticeable when he set up Josh Kennedy
with his first kick in the opening quarter.
He also sneaked forward in the second term to get on the scoreboard himself, and was able to provide Mike Pyke with some solid support – in a Swans’ side that was missing its established tall timber.
The 199-centimetre, 101-kilogram Nankervis finished with 10 touches at 60per cent disposal efficiency, kicked 1.1, took three marks, laid two tackles and had six hit-outs.
It might not be enough to keep his spot, with Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippitt to return from suspension, but it was a start that should get Swans supporters excited by his potential.
Nankervis’ fellow 2013 draftee Kade Kolodjashnij was outstanding as Gold Coast returned to the winners’ list against North Melbourne, collecting 28 disposals (14 contested), having seven score involvements, taking four marks, laying two tackles and kicking 1.0.
Hobart’s Aaron Hall celebrated his recall to the Suns with his best outing in quite a while, kicking 3.1 and having another five score involvements from 20 touches.
Luke Russell, from Burnie, finished with 23 possessions and had seven score involvements, while North Hobart’s Henry Schade, who hurt his knee in the final term, played on Shaun Higgins.
Launceston’s Jesse Lonergan was the team’s sub, but failed to touch the ball when coming on in the final term.
Clarence’s Jack Riewoldt provided a spark for Richmond late in their tight win over Greater Western Sydney. He finished with 2.0 (and another six score involvements) from 11 touches at 100per cent disposal efficiency together with three marks.
Wynyard’s Colin Garland had seven touches and laid five tackles in the Demons’ defence in Melbourne’s loss to West Coast, while Jeremy Howe was ineffective, finishing with just eight touches.
Burnie’s Maverick Weller and Glenorchy’s Jimmy Webster enjoyed themselves in St Kilda’s big win over Essendon.
Midfielder Weller had 16 possessions, took seven marks, laid six tackles, kicked 2.0 and had six score involvements, while defender Webster, playing on Zach Merrett, had 12 touches, took four marks, kicked 1.0 and had five score involvements.
In the West, Lauderdale’s Mitch Robinson was the surprise tagging choice on Nat Fyfe for Brisbane in their loss to Fremantle, but he did an admirable job. While Fyfe finished with 27 touches (his equal-lowest for the season), Robinson laid an amazing 14 tackles and managed 1.0 from 16 possessions (nine contested).
Clarence’s Josh Green was also impressive, laying 11 tackles while kicking 1.0 from 17 touches (10 contested).
Ulverstone’s Alex Pearce played on Brent Staker and finished with 13 touches and took two marks.
Hawk Grant Birchall, of Devonport, had 17 disposals in the win over Collingwood.