It may seem like a bold statement, but Ivan Maric had more impact on debut at Richmond in 2012, than any player in their first season with the Tigers for decades.
From the moment he arrived at Tigerland during the 2011 trade period (cleared by the Adelaide Crows in exchange for pick 37 in the National Draft), Maric endeared himself to the Yellow and Black faithful with his professional attitude, along with a fierce desire to help the Club succeed.
The Tiger Army knows a cult figure when they see one, so it was hardly surprising that the ex- Crow ruckman quickly became a fan favorite at his new football home.
Apart from his strongly-built frame, warrior-like approach and on-field aggression, there was, of course, that now famous flowing mullet, which added to Maric’s instant appeal to Richmond supporters.
After managing just 77 games in his six seasons with the Crows, Maric thrived on the opportunity presented to him by the Tigers throughout 2012.
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The 26-year-old played 21 games, averaged nearly 16 disposals per match, was ranked No. 3 in the entire competition for total hit-outs, was No. 2 at the Club for total contested marks, No. 5 for tackles, and No. 6 for centre clearances.
He was rewarded for his top-class, first-up season at Richmond in 2012, with third placing in the Jack Dyer Medal, behind Tiger midfield stars Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio.
Given the significant influence that Maric exerted in ruck duels and contests around the ground, it was no coincidence Cotchin and Deledio played the best football of their careers to date.
They thrived on the “silver service” they received from the big bloke with the big mullet.
Maric’s sterling efforts throughout the season didn’t go unnoticed by the rest of the football world, either.
He was named in the initial All-Australian squad and, although, he didn’t make the final cut, his status as one of the most improved players in the competition was, in no way, diminished.
Ivan Maric profile
Born: 4/1/1986
Height: 200cm
Weight: 101kg
Richmond trade history: Traded to the Tigers by Adelaide for pick 37 in the National Draft
Guernsey number at Richmond: No. 20
Debut at Richmond: Round 1, 2012 v Carlton, MCG
Games at Richmond (2012): 21
Goals at Richmond: 7
Top 20 Tiger trade pick-ups: No. 15
Today, we continue the countdown of the top 20 Tiger trade pick-ups of the past 50 years with No. 15 – 2012 ruck revelation, Ivan Maric.
