ESSENDON champion Matthew Lloyd believes Richmond must change its ruck set-up in 2019, saying Toby Nankervis was “monstered” by Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy.

Grundy recorded 56 hit outs, an all-time record in a final, dominating Nankervis (24 hit outs) and the 190cm Shaun Grigg (two hit outs).

Speaking on AFL.com.au’s Access All Areas, Lloyd said the Tigers need to make some drastic changes.

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“It’s not only about Grigg never playing ruck again, but I think Nankervis, if they’re fair dinkum, isn’t the number one ruckman next year.”  

“They need to find a gun ruckman because I think he gets monstered by the greats.”

Against the league’s biggest and best ruckmen, Nankervis’ stoppage impact is affected.

From six matches against Grundy, Melbourne’s Max Gawn, Fremantle’s Aaron Sandilands and Brisbane’s Stefan Martin this season, Nankervis’ hit out average drops, but his clearance numbers are unaffected.

Nankervis also sees a big drop in his Schick AFL Player Ratings average against the premier ruckmen. 

Collingwood won the clearances 45-37 and generated 60 points from clearances Friday night. Richmond conversely, only managed eight points directly from stoppages. 

“They scored 10 goals from stoppages on the weekend, Collingwood,” Lloyd said.

“That’s unforgivable in a final for Nankervis and the midfielders.”