Inspirational Richmond ruckman Ivan Maric provided an interesting insight into what makes him tick on this week’s episode of the Club’s official podcast, ‘Talking Tigers’. Here are Maric’s well-considered opinions on a variety of football-related matters . . .
On his form this season
“There was a month there where it was really hard against some very good ruckmen, with (Aaron) Sandilands and (Nic) Natanui . . . (Shaun) Hampson coming in to give us a bit of a hand was really good. I’ve focused on trying to impact up forward, so that’s been good the last month or so (five goals in his past five games). I’m just trying to be really consistent.”
On combating the competition’s ruck giants
“With me, I’m a shorter ruckman, shorter arms, so against these really tall guys I’ve got to change it up a fair bit . . . You want to be aggressive as a big guy on the field. It was good for me when ‘Hammer’ (Shaun Hampson) was in because I could show that I could play as a forward and then go into the ruck and have an impact. But I love being in the ruck. If I could be in there 100 percent of the time, I would. I really like to wear down my opponents that way over four quarters. I think that’s when I’m at my best.”
On his leadership qualities
“I just want to try and be the best at the Club, or the best in the competition. And, to do that, I think I need to have really high standards . . . the best standards. Also, I’m a family man, and I love caring about my family. So, when I come here, it’s my family. I like looking after the guys and showing a lot of care.”
On facing the media
“For most of my career, I’ve tried not to do as much media as other guys, and to stay away from it. But I now think it’s my responsibility . . . I have to do it. It was a bit of a challenge for me to face, but I wanted to do it in my way as well, which is just honest and short.”
On the playing group’s growth
“We learned a lot I think through that period (last year), even the part where we were losing as well. Now it’s all about trying to handle the hype. You walk down the street and everyone’s telling you how good you were against Hawthorn . . . you guys are going to win it. And we come up and get ‘pantsed’ against Adelaide. That was a great learning experience for all the players.”
On his cult status among the Tiger Army
“I don’t want to sound too big-headed, but there’s nothing special about the way I play. I just try my best and they appreciate that – the effort – and I appreciate that they appreciate it. So it’s a good feeling, and it makes you welcome here at the Club. I’ve always said that I felt like I was meant to play here, and it’s a great feeling.”
On cousin Ivan Soldo’s development at Richmond
“He’s doing really well . . . For a guy his size, his running ability’s amazing. So, once he starts reading the play really well, and taking good marks around the ground, it’s going to be pretty exciting. But it’s hard to maintain that dedication and discipline over a long period of time. So, we’ll see if he’s good enough to do it.”
