TALISMANIC ruckman Ivan Maric has been the driving force behind Richmond's resurgence, teammate Ricky Petterd says.
Maric returned from pre-season ankle surgery when Richmond started sinking to its lowest ebb in an embarrassing 50-point loss to Essendon in the 'Dreamtime at the 'G' encounter in round 11.
The Tigers tumbled to four-straight losses and a 3-10 record, but prospects have improved dramatically at Punt Rd since.
So much so that Richmond is suddenly an outside finals chance after winning five-straight matches.
While Maric's comeback has been important on gameday, he's also demanded more from his teammates on the training track.
"I think big 'Ivey' runs it pretty well. He expects us to be the best and that's what we strive to be," Petterd told AFL.com.au.
Maric recently said it was good for the Tigers to go through the pain of a disappointing start to 2014 in order to improve their "poor" training standards.
Asked what exactly has changed, Petterd replied "a lot".
"The way we train went up another level. I think it's just everyone holding everyone accountable," he said.
"We didn't want to let anyone down. We didn't want to let 'Dimma' down and more importantly ourselves, so I think that's what's driving us."
Petterd (14 disposals, two goals) and Maric (11 disposals and 26 hit-outs) were solid contributors in Richmond's 27-point win over Greater Western Sydney at the MCG on Saturday, a triumph that kept the Tigers' finals flame flickering.
Although Richmond's woeful start to its season is likely to cost it a finals berth, Petterd said the Tigers haven't given up hope.
"I suppose we've just got to keep winning as many games as we can and let the rest look after itself," he said.
"We'll play every game like we've got a chance. We've got a big one Friday night (against Essendon).
"The boys get up against the really good teams like we showed against Port a few weeks ago."
