Toby Nankervis to captain Richmond in 2024 season as Dylan Grimes steps back

Richmond have been led by co-captains since Trent Cotchin gave up the role in 2021, but only one man has been chosen as Adem Yze’s first skipper for next season.

Toby Nankervis (left) the Richmond sole captain. Picture Images

Toby Nankervis will serve as standalone Richmond captain next season as the Adem Yze era gets under way at Tigerland.

Nankervis, 29, had shared the captaincy with Dylan Grimes since 2022 following triple-premiership skipper Trent Cotchin’s decision to step down.

Now Nankervis will go it alone in 2024 after Grimes chose to relinquish his leadership role to better focus on his individual on-field performance.

Richmond’s rugged ruckman was unveiled as sole skipper by president John O’Rourke at the club’s members’ AGM on Monday night.

Dylan Grimes has stepped aside and Toby Nankervis is now Richmond’s sole captain. Picture: Michael Klein

“Being able to lead this club and our team is something I will never take for granted, so to be backed in to continue on as captain next year is a privilege,” Nankervis said.

“We have some great leaders at the footy club and are united in what we want to achieve going forward on the field and as a high-performance environment, so I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

General Manager of Football Performance, Tim Livingstone, hailed Nankervis as a “team first” leader and thanked Grimes for his services as skipper.

“Our players and coaches respect how Toby goes about his football and leadership,” Livingstone said.

It’s a new era for the Tigers in 2024. Picture: Getty Images

“He demands high standards, keeps his messaging precise, and always puts the team first with his attitude, which is a trait that Adem, our staff, and administration particularly admired in making this decision.

“Toby has been an excellent captain across the past two years with Dylan, and he will continue to blossom as an individual and leader with the responsibility that comes with him now being our sole skipper.

“Dylan has been a leader at Richmond for a long period and has decided to take a step back from everything that captaining an AFL club entails.

“His experience and guidance will continue to be a great asset for our group, and we thank him very much for his commitment and efforts across the past two years since being appointed as our co-captain.”