Tigers on the rampage Zac Milbank
From: The Advertiser
June 29, 2012 IT might not look like it on the premiership ladder but Richmond has been one of biggest improving sides in the SuperCoach world this season.
And there have been only three bigger bolters in 2012 than Tigers ruckman Ivan Maric.
Only Greater Western Sydney pair Jon Giles and Dylan Shiel, together with Brisbane's mature-age sensation Dayne Zorko, have earned more money since the start of the season.
Maric, traded from Adelaide at the end of last season, has gained a staggering $251,600 in value while performing strongly in the ruck at Tigerland.
After starting the season at just $338,300, Maric is now priced at $589,900 thanks largely to him not dropping his score under 100 since round three. "He's (Maric) been a star," Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said.
"He's been a high-calibre person, what he's delivering on the field is high calibre also.
"He's a guy who's starting to understand our system, what's required of him, he gets the ball from A to B and he's been a real plus for us this year.
"He's been a very good player for us."
Maric isn't the only one of Hardwick's Tigers to surge up the SuperCoach charts.
Seemingly on the AFL scrapheap last year, midfielder Shane Tuck has responded brilliantly in the centre square.
Using his big frame to win plenty of contested possessions, the former West Adelaide player is averaging 108 points per game.
Unheralded Carlton recruit Shaun Grigg is another to lift his average above triple figures this season, adding greater depth to the Tigers' midfield.
While popular defenders Steven Morris and Brandon Ellis haven't managed eye-catching averages, they have both played important roles for thousands of SuperCoaches needing to plug holes in the backline.
Morris, a mature-age recruit, and Ellis, the Tigers' first draft pick last year, have also earned plenty of cash for their owners which should enable them to be late season upgrades.
But it hasn't all been positive at Punt Road.
Burly midfielder Dustin Martin, selected by 116,401 SuperCoaches, has lost a staggering $109,600 since round one.
The No. 3 draft pick - averaging just 85 - has only scored in excess of 100 points on two occasions.
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