“I’d like to think I’m a bit of a footy nuffy, so it’s going to be pretty surreal playing against some of the people I’ve been barracking for in Supercoach.“

Just two years ago Maric was playing for his local club in Drouin before committing to losing weight and giving himself the opportunity to play at the highest level.

He had developed back issues through a sudden growth spurt and was then struck down by glandular fever, before making strong progress with Gippsland Power in the Coates Talent League.

This year alone, he has played for Gippsland, Victoria Country, the Young Guns, Box Hill and the WAFL Eagles.

West Coast’s injury list is bulging at the seams, with key players such as Nic Naitanui, Jeremy McGovern, Jamie Cripps, Jamaine Jones, Tom Cole, Tom Barrass and Shannon Hurn among the walking wounded.