In the second of a new post-season series on richmondfc.com.au - 12 things we learnt in 2012 - Tony Greenberg looks at Ivan Maric’s instant impact at Tigerland . . .

No. 2:  Ivan Maric has quickly become one of Richmond’s most valuable players
 
The Tiger Army has long had an affection for cult figures, so it’s little wonder ruckman Ivan Maric captivated them throughout his debut season at the Club in 2012.

With his strong build, warrior-like presence and, of course, that now famous flowing mullet, Maric was a sight to behold on the field of battle right throughout the season.
After being a bit player in six seasons with the Adelaide Crows, Maric took a lead role at Richmond this year, thriving on the opportunity presented to him.

The 26-year-old averaged nearly 16 disposals per match, was ranked No. 3 in the whole competition for total hit-outs, with 652, was No. 2 at the Club for total contested marks, No, 5 for tackles, and No. 6 for centre clearances.

A number of times, Tiger midfield guns Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio made public reference to the “silver service” they received from big ‘Ivvy’, as they affectionately call him.

Clearly, his influence in the ruck had a profound, positive, flow-on effect for the likes of Cotchin, Deledio and co.

Would Ivan Maric have the same on-field presence without his mullet?  Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Maric’s exemplary attitude was on display from the time he joined Richmond during last year’s trade period.

“I just want to come in and have an impact straight away and be pretty vocal, which I’m quite comfortable at doing,” he said after being traded by Adelaide to the Tigers.

 “I want to be a leader on the track and drag others along and maybe set some new standards as well on the training track and in the weights room.  I really enjoy training hard and being a leader on the track and mentoring young kids . . .

“When I play my best footy, and when I enjoy playing footy the most, is when I’m aggressive . . . I want to be aggressive - really aggressive, at the ball.”

True to his word, Maric injected a healthy dose of big man aggression into the Tigers’ line-up right throughout the 2012 season - and his smaller teammates clearly walked a bit taller as a result.

Fittingly, Maric was rewarded for his sterling efforts this season by being named in the All-Australian squad.  That also underlined his status as one of the most improved players in the entire competition.

What had been a major problem area for Richmond - the ruck - is now an asset, thanks to the mighty mullet man.

Tomorrow, find out about the force of the Tigers’ “Foreign Legion”.