RICHMOND’S nightmare run with injuries this AFL season continues, with premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis sidelined for up to two months.
Impressive youngster Jack Ross is also out of action with a serious ankle injury and the Tigers are unsure when he will be back.
Nankervis has been Richmond’s standout ruckman for the past two seasons and his loss is another big blow to their team structure.
They have already lost top defender Alex Rance for 2019 with a knee reconstruction, while key forward Jack Riewoldt is also recovering from a knee injury.
Richmond are suffering in all areas of the ground – captain Trent Cotchin, one of their top midfielders, is yet to return from a hamstring injury.
Nankervis and Ross were hurt during Sunday’s impressive win over Fremantle in Perth.
The Tigers confirmed on Monday that the ruckman suffered a high-grade injury to his right adductor and would be out for six to eight weeks.
Ross has a left ankle syndesmosis sprain and there is no time frame yet on his return.
Syndesmosis injuries can be notorious for how long they take to heal and there is speculation Ross might need surgery.
Noah Balta and even Nathan Broad rucked for Richmond on Sunday when Nankervis was forced off the ground.
Ivan Soldo is the most-likely player to come into the side to replace Nankervis.
Daniel Rioli and Nick Vlastuin are set to return from injury for Sunday’s match against Hawthorn.
© AAP 2019
