Australian Football

Recruited from Barwon, Ian Nankervis made his senior debut with Geelong in 1967 and, over the next 17 seasons, went on to play a club record 325 VFL games. Initially playing mainly as a forward pocket-rover, he later developed into one of the finest back pockets in the history of the game. He had an exemplary attitude to training, and a wholehearted commitment to the Geelong Football Club, setting an estimable example to younger players.

Captain for four seasons from 1978, Nankervis won club best and fairest awards in 1972, 1976 and 1977. Polished and tidy in everything he did, "his concentration, anticipation, stamina, courage, running ability and highly developed disposal skills made him one of the club's all time greats".¹

A regular Big V representative (a dozen appearances), Ian Nankervis captained the state against Tasmania at Hobart in 1979, and was selected in the 1980 All Australian side. He played for much of his league career alongside younger brother Bruce.

Author - John Devaney