Talented small forward Addam Maric is giving himself every chance of being elevated from Richmond’s rookie list to the senior list and lining up for the Tigers in the opening round blockbuster clash with Carlton.

Maric, who was picked up by Richmond in the AFL’s rookie draft last December following his delisting by Melbourne at the end of the 2011 season, produced another eye-catching performance for his new club, in last Sunday’s second round NAB Cup match against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.

The 21-year-old was one of seven players the Tigers brought on to the ground for the second half of the game, and he wasted no time in having an impact, winning his fair share of ball and using it with impressive efficiency, just as he’d done for his new team in the first round of the NAB Cup a couple of weeks earlier.

“He uses the ball very, very well.  The one area he knows he’s got to work on is the defensive area.  He worked on that today and had some positive results,” Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said in his post-match press conference.

“He’s certainly put himself well in the mix for that rookie upgrade spot.”
Maric, for his part, is looking no further ahead than the next game . . .
“I’m just happy to be playing at the moment,” he said.

“I definitely feel as though I’m starting to get to know everyone and the way they play, and the game plan as well.
“Hopefully, I keep playing . . . I can only improve.”