For Tigers tragics, he's a Maric made in heavenWill Brodie
May 28, 2012 - 1:00PMFor a generation, Richmond fans have been waiting for a Monday like today, when they can listen to a cult hero say good things about the Tigers after a win that meant something.
For the thousands of Tiger tragics listening to SEN this morning, the interview with ruck hero Ivan Maric would have delivered in spades. The mullet-haired big man described Richmond's stunning 62-point win over former premiership favourites Hawthorn as “bloody sensational”.
“We feel like we've been pretty close over the whole season, even in all our losses. But to get a result like we did on the weekend it was really special and something great you can share with your teammates. We were rapt with it.”
Maric continued his career-best form in the rout of the Hawks, recording midfielder-like stats of 18 touches, and seven tackles to go with his 27 hit-outs and a goal.
“We feel that… we've had those losses and most of them have been really close and we've had opportunities to win them…. We feel like we should have won more games than we have so far.
“That's why we have got a really strong belief in the way we can play. And the way we can play can match it against the top sides.
“I love the feeling within the group at the moment and I think it's going to take us somewhere in the future, it's really exciting to be a part of.”
Maric played with Adelaide from 2006 to 2011, playing 77 games, but he never cemented the number one rucking role with the Crows, and he played only 6 games in 2011.
Given the responsibility to be the main man by Richmond, the whole-hearted competitor has enjoyed massive rises in productivity, averaging 16 disposals and 30 hit-outs per game. Maric says he always believed in his ability, and a combination of maturity and opportunity have enabled him to thrive at Tigerland.
“I think it's probably credit to the club in the way it's welcomed me to the club. Not just the players but the staff as well. They've made me feel relaxed and like I belong. I've sort of embraced the culture and feel really privileged to be part of the club and I'm looking forward to the future.”
Richmond needed a competitor in the clinches to complement its exciting young midfield, and the fit was perfect for the All-Australian contender.
“They said we want your style of game, just play aggressive and compete and compete and compete. And that's what I love doing… I play my best footy when I'm doing those things. It definitely makes you feel more confident when the coaching staff believes in you.
“You mature a lot physically and mentally. So I'm 26 now and I've had a few different coaches… and I've been educated really well. I feel really comfortable in my role and knowing what to do and really clear about it.”
“I really enjoy being part of the team and I love team success that's what I play the game, because I can share it with my teammates.
“I really enjoy bringing energy and a lot of enthusiasm on game day as well as at training and looking after my teammates. That's how I love playing my footy so I'm going to keep doing that and hopefully my teammates can enjoy that.
Richmond fans have embraced the ruckman, with many wearing wigs that emulate Maric's landmark mullet. Maric and former teammates Taylor Walker began utilising the retro 'do last year at Adelaide, but they have different approaches to upkeep.
“Taylor Walker, I think he's been grooming his a fair bit, whereas I've just let mine go wild. We didn't expect it to get as much attention as it did, it was half-way through last year.
“At the moment it hasn't crossed my mind one bit to cut it off, so my plan is long-term.
“There's guys like Matthew Jaensch and Bernie Vince who were all talk at the start but when it came down to it they pulled out.”
Such details would have been sweet and vital news to the ears of Tiger fans this morning.
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