Richmond’s stuttering start to 2023 has been dealt yet another blow with co-captain Toby Nankervis set to go under the knife to fix an ankle injury.
Just days after the Tigers were beaten by the Western Bulldogs, the team revealed Nankervis would be sidelined for “the medium term” to treat a syndesmosis injury in his left ankle.
The loss to the Bulldogs has already proven to be extremely costly for the Tigers, with star forward Tom Lynch also facing a date at the tribunal following a bump on Dogs defender Alex Keath.
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The prospect of being without both Nankervis and Lynch for an extended period was described as a “disaster” by Richmond icon Matthew Richardson.
“Your No.1 ruckman and your No.1 forward. You don’t replace those players,” said the Richmond champion on 3AW.
The injury to Nankervis is made even worse by the fact Richmond is already without backup ruckman Ivan Soldo, who is currently sidelined with a foot injury.
Lynch was sent directly to the tribunal by AFL match review officer Michael Christian for a bump which left Keath with a concussion.
Richmond, currently 12th on the ladder, faces a pivotal month of football, with matches against the Swans, Demons, Suns and Eagles on deck.
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