Richmond ruckman Ivan Maric pushes for selection in Dreamtime clash against Essendon Herald Sun
May 26, 2014 RICHMOND faces a rare selection dilemma ahead of its Dreamtime clash with Essendon as ruckman Ivan Maric nears full fitness.
The Tigers trounced the Giants on Saturday, with Reece Conca revealing Damien Hardwick had recently instigated a Leading Teams-style review of his own management.
It saw him receiving honest feedback from his players and coaches in front of the group in an attempt to improve his performance.
It worked as Hardwick’s coaching team succeeded after a host of positional changes, but now he needs to squeeze in Maric, back from ankle surgery.
For the first time this year that might be a challenge given Shaun Hampson was excellent in the ruck against GWS and the forward setup finally flourished.
Key forwards Ben Griffiths and Tyrone Vickery also feasted on the Tigers’ forward entries, with Dogs champion Brad Johnson lauding the forward mix.
Hampson won 30 hitouts in a strong performance although Hardwick did say the Tigers “got smashed” in the centre square despite the 113-point win.
After two games in the VFL Maric seems certain to play, as the Tigers sweat on best-and-fairest winner Daniel Jackson.
Jackson (hip/groin) was subbed after a collision with Jon Patton but hopes to take on Essendon on Saturday night at the MCG.
“I think I will be right. I got a boot in the hip flexor and it shut down all the muscles. I am hoping there is no strain. I get a scan tomorrow. Hopefully I will be right next week,’’ he said.
Richmond Tigers coach Damien Hardwick has praised Jack Riewoldt for his strong performance against the Giants following the Tigers' thrashing of GWS.
Conca told Channel 9 on Sunday Hardwick had asked the players how he could get better in recent weeks.
“We did some pretty deep talking among the group and coaches and put a few guys on the spot, myself included. Dimma put himself on the spot which was great for the group.
“We did a review on some players and some coaches and we just spoke some strong words about how we were going and it was really good. A lot of guys would have taken something out of it.”
Hardwick said after the win over GWS that Brett Deledio, celebrating his 200th game at just 27, could become a Richmond great.
“He’s the youngest player in the history of our club to get to 200. It is extraordinary what he can do.”
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/richmond-ruckman-ivan-maric-pushes-for-selection-in-dreamtime-clash-against-essendon/story-fnlpdory-1226931037708
