RICHMOND ruckman Ivan Maric has signed a two-year contract extension to remain with the club.

The re-signing means he will stay with the Tigers until at least the end of the 2016 season.

"We're thrilled to have Ivan commit to the club for another two seasons," Tigers football manager Dan Richardson told richmondfc.com.au.

"He has become an incredibly consistent and valued member of the playing group at Richmond, and has added strong leadership qualities, both on and off the field."

The big man is still two to three weeks away from making his return following ankle surgery, and his absence has certainly been felt at Tigerland.

With Maric and Shaun Hampson (knee) both sidelined, opposition ruckman Will Minson racked up 55 hit-outs in the Western Bulldogs' two-point win over Richmond at the weekend.

Now in his third season at Richmond, following six years at Adelaide, Maric expects he will need at least one game in the VFL before pushing for senior selection in the next month.

Maric has played 118 total career games and kicked 45 goals over that span.