Rival clubs eye Ivan for dual player/coach role AFL.com.au
11 August 2016RICHMOND vice-captain Ivan Maric could move into a dual coaching and playing role at another club in 2017 as he weighs up his future in the game.
Maric, who is out of contract and not guaranteed another season with the Tigers, has attracted some interest from clubs who are keen to secure a back-up ruckman.
It is understood the 30-year-old's leadership traits are also drawing interest from clubs looking for a development coach who could play when injury strikes.
The role being floated by interested clubs would be similar to that played by Mark Jamar at Essendon this season.
Former Adelaide, Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions ruckman Ben Hudson also joined Collingwood in 2013 as a ruck coach but was on the club's list as insurance, playing seven games over two seasons.
It is believed Richmond, which is developing Maric's cousin Ivan Soldo on its rookie list,
is one of the clubs discussing such a role with Maric beyond 2016. On Thursday, coach Damien Hardwick said a decision on Maric would have to wait until the end of the season.
"That's a list management decision we'll work our way through," Hardwick said.
"Ivan is an important player for us and he probably hasn't had the year that he or us would like.
"He's had some injury concerns across the year and just hasn't really got up and going at any stage.
"But we know what Ivan can do and Ivan at his best is a very, very good AFL player."
Maric, who comes out of contract at the end of the year, missed the opening four rounds of the season because of a back injury.
The 30-year-old was dropped after playing rounds five and six, with Shaun Hampson overtaking him as the Tigers' No.1 ruckman.
Form and fitness issues mean Maric has played just one game since, against Port Adelaide in round 15.
In sharp contrast, Hampson's career-best season was rewarded with a two-year contract extension earlier this week.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-08-11/maric-draws-rival-interest
