An array of talls has allowed Toby Nankervis to shift forward and develop his goal-kicking in the hope of winning back a senior spot.
Nankervis played as a stay-at-home forward for the NEAFL Swans on Saturday with great effect, kicking six goals in the visitors’ 140-point win over the Canberra Demons at Manuka Oval.
Nankervis (199cm), who plays dual roles when called upon for senior duty, is the shortest of four key big men playing in Rhyce Shaw’s undefeated NEAFL side at the moment.
Sam Naismith (206cm), Kyle Galloway (206cm) and Tom Derickx (200cm) make for an imposing quartet.
The 21-year-old, who has managed six senior games to date, the latest coming in Round 4 against Adelaide, says the temporary move will allow him to add another string to his bow in the hope of challenging for a senior spot.
“It’s definitely an area I need to improve in,” Nankervis said.
“With the tall side we’ve got at the moment, it’s a good opportunity for me to go down forward and really develop that side of my game.
“I was lucky enough to get on the end of a few lace-out kicks (on the weekend). It wasn’t just about me though, we had a lot of players who stepped up.
“I was just happy to chip in.”
Nankervis’ six-goal haul was a career-best outing for the Tasmanian.