Maric is a 'luxury' in VFL, says Tiger EdwardsDaniel Cherny
The Age
28 May 2016Richmond livewire Shane Edwards says it's a "luxury" for the Tigers to be able to play veteran ruckman Ivan Maric in the VFL.
Saturday will mark four weeks since Maric's second and most recent senior game of the season – Richmond's round-six defeat to Port Adelaide. The warhorse has been kept out of the team with revitalised former Carlton big man Shaun Hampson preferred as coach Damien Hardwick's No. 1 ruck option. Maric, 30, missed the first two rounds of the season with a back injury. Both Maric and Hampson, 28, are in the final year of their existing contracts.
Speaking ahead of the Richmond's Dreamtime clash with Essendon on Saturday night, Edwards said Maric would be considered if the Tigers opted to play two ruckmen. "Shaun Hampson's playing really well at the moment so it's a luxury to have Ivan playing VFL – someone of his talent and ability," Edwards said at Punt Road.
Richmond are searching for their third consecutive win when they take on the Bombers.
But Edwards said the mood around the club had not changed significantly despite the recent change in fortunes – which followed a 1-6 start to the season. "We put in a lot of hard work at the start of the year and didn't get as much reward as we'd like so we try and keep our mood fairly even – win or loss."
"It (the reason for the turnaround after a poor start to the season) is just consistency.
"Earlier in the year we played a lot of good quarters and a lot of good halves.
"But we often had a lapse in the third or fourth .. we just need to make sure we stick to the basics and play well all game."
Edwards dealt with minor collarbone and hand concerns earlier in the year, but said he was now in prime condition. "I had a few injuries at the start but slowly getting momentum back and feeling as fit as felt in my career. So there's no excuses."
The indigenous Edwards has been something of a lone ranger during his decade at Richmond, with the Tigers having had few indigenous regulars over that period.
Fellow indigenous player Chris Yarran was recruited from Carlton in October, but is on indefinite leave as he deals with a private matter. Edwards said Yarran deserved space.
Edwards is however joined by indigenous youngster Daniel Rioli in the Richmond team for Saturday night's match. Rioli is returning to the senior side after spending time in the Northern Territory to deal with a family matter.
Edwards said it was clear Rioli was looking forward to the Dons clash, which celebrates the contribution of indigenous people in football. "He's a quiet kid, so you can't really tell. But even for a kid as quick as him, he's buzzing around the track. He's pretty excited."
Edwards added that the football world had improved when dealing with indigenous issues since the start of his career in 2007. "No one's afraid to ask questions. Everyone knows more about each other. I'm blown away every year."
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/essendon-v-richmond-shane-edwards-describes-ivan-maric-as-a-luxury-in-vfl-20160527-gp5cfs.htmlhttp://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-05-27/edwards-pleads-for-yarran-privacy
