Richmond is hoping its No. 1 ruckman Ivan Maric can continue building on the solid form foundations he’s laid since resuming from an ankle injury that sidelined him for much of the first half of the season.

Maric has averaged about 15 disposals, five marks and 15 hit-outs in his four senior games back, which is a return that has pleased the Tigers’ coaching group.

“It’s obviously no secret that we missed ‘Ivvy’ while he was out . . . He’s just starting to find some form and fitness, so, hopefully, he can continue that this week,” Richmond assistant coach Danny Daly on this week’s Roar Vision ‘Spotlight’.

“His ability to get around the ground, lose his ruckman (opponent) and take marks is crucial for us.

“Also, he can go forward when Ty comes into the ruck.

“We’ve got great faith in his ability to take marks, especially the long, down-the-line ones . . .

“We speak about contested football through the midfield and this is where it’s at.  The ability to mark the footy, means that the ball’s not hitting the deck.

“He runs about 13km a game, so it’s not only his ability to get around the ground and take marks. Defensively, he works just as hard as most of our midfielders.”