Maric considers new heights

ADELAIDE'S Ivan Maric believes James Sellar and Shaun McKernan are both capable replacements for injured teammate Brad Moran, but admits he'd be happy to shoulder more responsibility against Richmond on Saturday night.

Coach Neil Craig has already flagged opportunities for Sellar and McKernan at AFL level this season.

Sellar has been named an emergency on several occasions over the past month and McKernan was on the verge of making his debut against Essendon in round 11.

However, the selectors could simply decide to give forward Kurt Tippett more time in the ruck and replace Moran with a midfielder, like Brent Reilly.

Maric remained tight-lipped about which way the Crows could go for the Gold Coast trip.

"If we go that way – with just two ruckmen – it’s more game time for me, so I’m happy with that," he said.

"It’s hard to say which way the coaches will go. James and Shaun both have their own strengths and weaknesses.

"Personally I trust them both to come in and do a job for us, so I guess it’s up to the coaches now to make that decision."

McKernan, 18, has dominated games in the ruck for South Adelaide this season and also boasts speed, agility and an ability to play forward.

Sellar, 20, made his debut as a forward last season but has since found his niche in the ruck for Glenelg.

Maric said both players had a lot to offer at AFL level.

"I played against Shaun in the SANFL earlier this year and he’s really aggressive and fierce around the ball, which is what midfielders want from a ruckman, especially at the centre square," he said.

"James' centre bounce is pretty good as well, but he’s got other strengths like being able to go up forward and kick goals too."

On paper, the Crows could afford to experiment with a young ruck combination.

Last weekend, the Tigers selected draftee Tyrone Vickery and 22-year-old Angus Graham as theirs and Maric said he was familiar with the pair.

"I know Angus Graham because he was at my club back in Victoria, but he’s changed a lot and put on a lot of weight since then," he said.

"They (Graham and Vickery) are good. I respect them and it’s a huge challenge for me and whoever else gets the opportunity."

The Crows are flying on the back of five straight wins, but Maric denied Saturday’s game would be a walkover for his side.

"The outside world probably sees the next two as easy games in terms of our position on the ladder, but the competition is very close and we can’t get too far ahead of ourselves," he said.

"When you hear the Gold Coast it sounds like a holiday destination, but we’re going there to perform … it’s not going to be a holiday for us."