Ivan Maric shaping up as Richmond's hard man by: Jon Ralph
From: Sunday Herald Sun
November 27, 2011 NEW Richmond ruckman Ivan Maric knows exactly what he is not.
He cannot jump like Nic Naitanui or run like Dean Cox.
And he is not the mega-star recruit that will instantly guarantee the Tigers finals success.
But what he does have could be just what the Tigers need next year.
The former Adelaide ruckman promises to bring a new level of aggression to a game that already features silky tap work and back-up efforts.
If he can deliver on that, a trade in which Richmond give up only pick 37 could just work out perfectly.
"I am never going to move like Cox or Naitanui," conceded Maric, a former Calder Cannon just entering his peak after seven years at Adelaide.
He added: "I really admire Brad Ottens. He's so strong, and a good ruckman always follows up on the ground as well. He's someone I look up to, (and) even Darren Jolly - they are both able to go forward. I watch them closely and I see myself being able to do that as well."
If Richmond supporters were forgiven an "Ivan who?" moment when his name came up in discussions, Maric has a solid track record.
He played 57 games in three seasons entering this year, combining strong, contested marking with solid centre-square work.
Then Sam Jacobs arrived at Adelaide from Carlton.
Quickly, Maric knew he needed to find new home.
"It was pretty early in the year. I was having conversations with Neil Craig and they were saying they were giving me the message they wanted me at the club, but we have to do what's best for you, and if that's exploring other options, we want you to do that," Maric said.
"Initially it was pretty hard for me to take, because I enjoyed my time there and wanted to give a fair bit back to Adelaide, but you have to be proactive in your career."
Maric grew up loving the Tigers. He also loved the way they celebrated as a team, and played team-first football, especially under coach Damien Hardwick.
So a plan was hatched to get him to Richmond.
"I'm feeling really good, my body's feeling strong. I feel like I can get even stronger and I want to be tough to play against," he said.
"This year was really good, because although I didn't play a lot of AFL, I spent a lot more time playing forward in the SANFL, and even in the last three games at Adelaide I played forward. It was great for my development and that's where I see myself in the future."
The prospect of rucking to the likes of Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin is particularly mouth-watering.
"Dusty is sensational at stoppages, and even when he goes forward, he kicks goals," Maric said. "Trent Cotchin seems a really good leader and is stepping up, and he's really hard at it."
"You love to have those guys around you. I just want to attack the ball with the same attitude they do, and earn their respect and trust, as well as my other teammates, too."
Steven Morris, 22, cannot wait to join Maric.
"I played against Ivan a few times (in the SANFL) last year and we are both really excited about coming to Punt Rd. They are on the up, so it's an exciting time to join the club," he said.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/ivan-maric-shaping-up-as-richmonds-hard-man/story-fn4hg9de-1226206979448
