Former Richmond and Adelaide Crows ruckman Ivan Maric could join HFL club Hahndorf
Ex-Adelaide and Richmond ruckman Ivan Maric is in talks to pull on the boots for one of SA’s strongest country footy sides – but there’s a catch.
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One of SA’s strongest country footy sides is in talks to make a massive signing splash by adding a third former Crow to it’s ranks – but there’s a catch.
Ex-Adelaide and Richmond ruckman Ivan Maric is being lured to powerhouse Hills Football League club Hahndorf by old teammate Matthew Jaensch.
The Magpies hope the 34-year-old big man could appear for a brief stint at the reigning HFL premiers to play with Jaensch, after the two were on the Crows list together in 2010 and 2011.
However, it will depend the Victorian-based ruck coach’s work at Richmond and border restrictions being lifted.
Interstate travellers to SA need to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Maric submitted a clearance on Saturday, which was still pending, to Hahndorf from NSW club Deniliquin Rams in the predominantly Victorian Murray Football League.
Magpies football director Trent Shorland said Jaensch had organised the move but nothing was confirmed yet.
“Matt has spoken to me before about Ivan coming over to play before so they can play together again at some stage,” Shorland said.
“With the way the restrictions are at the moment it wouldn’t happen but if things change he could play a couple of games.
“It’s up in the air and could happen, but nothing is set in stone.
“We would love to have the big guy running around for us if it all works out. It would be great for competition and a bit of entertainment.”
The HFL has planned for a season start on Saturday, July 4, subject to key restrictions being lifted by the state government.
Maric would join old teammate Jaensch and fellow former Crow Kyle Cheney at Hahndorf, which has won four of the past five HFL premierships.
He played 77 games for the Crows from 2005 to 2011 before being traded to Richmond.
Maric’s physical presence, aggressive play and trademark flowing mullet led to him becoming a cult figure at Punt Rd.
He played a further 80 games at the Tigers and retired from AFL football at the end of 2017.
Maric then worked at the club as a player development and ruck coach.
The 200cm ruckman returned to play at his junior club, Keilor in the Essendon District Football League, in 2018 before a one-off appearance with Deniliquin last season.