The long-awaited return of Richmond’s No. 1 ruckman Ivan Maric from an ankle injury will inspire his team-mates, according to coach Damien Hardwick.

Maric has been named in the team to play Essendon in the Dreamtime at the ‘G match this Saturday night, in what will be his first appearance at AFL level since the 2013 elimination final.

The 28-year-old has spent the past two weeks in the VFL, building up his match fitness.

Richmond’s 2014 Dreamtime guernsey has launched, with proceeds going to the Korin Gamadji Institute. Shop now.

He played a full game against Werribee last Saturday, racking up 19 disposals, including seven clearances, seven inside 50s, winning 41 hit-outs, and kicking two goals.

Hardwick believes it will take time for Maric to find his feet again at the game’s highest level, but is confident his inclusion in the line-up will provide the Tigers with a significant lift.

“He played the majority of the game last week. He’ll take a little bit of time to get the speed of the game, because he hasn’t played in about seven months,” Hardwick said.

“He’s a quality player.  Automatically, our players feel better about themselves having him on the field . . . he’s that type of quality person.

"I think the mark of a player is you make people around you better, and that's what Ivan does.

"He instils belief in players, and we've missed that over the course of his absence in the early parts of the year.

"We look forward to bringing that back in.”