Although Richmond’s stoppage work was one of its main assets last season, a vital member of the team’s on-ball brigade is convinced there’s scope for a further significant boost in this crucial area of the game.

Ruckman Ivan Maric, who had such an impact in his first year at Richmond in 2012, finishing third in the Jack Dyer Medal, believes the Tigers can thrive on the back of strong work at the stoppages.

“I think we’ve got so much improvement in that area and we’re working on it constantly because it’s one of our strengths and we want to make sure it is for the next five or 10 years . . . however long the group’s staying together,” Maric said on SEN.

“It’s really important.  The game starts at the stoppages and there’s a lot of numbers around the footy these days.

“With a few new rules as well, it’s going to change things, so we’ve got to keep adapting to those as well.”