The inclusion of vice-captains Brett Deledio and Ivan Maricin Richmond’s line-up for Sunday night’s big Anzac eve match against Melbourne, at the MCG, will provide the Tigers with a timely, significant boost, according to their teammate Ty Vickery.

It will be the first senior appearance in 2016 for both players, who have been sidelined through injury (Deledio a quad issueand Maric a back complaint).

With Richmond looking for a spark to ignite its season after a sluggish start (one win, three losses), Vickery is confident the pair will have an immediate impact.

“They’ve both got individual strengths . . .  they’re both great players in their own right and terrific leaders,” Vickery said at a Punt Road press conference on Friday.

“Brett’s a really elite player in the competition, playing through half-forward and through the midfield.  

“His ball use is really good and we know with him we get 20-plus quality touches in the forward half.

“Ivan brings a lot to us, both playing-wise and with his leadership.

“He’s had a tough start to the year with his back injury in the pre-season, but we really welcome him back . . . 

“We know he’s going to add a fair bit for us.”

Vickery is confident that, despite Maric’s limited preparation, he’ll be ready to resume his role as the team’s No. 1 ruckman on Sunday.

“He’s actually a really good endurance athlete,” Vickery said.

“He’s always had big minutes in the ruck . . . and he’s been building up his game time the last few weeks (in the VFL).  

“So we expect him to be really well equipped and conditioned to do it.”