THE MOUSTACHE is the first thing that grabs the attention when it comes to Ivan Soldo. 

It's a bit of a family trait, his dad sports similar facial hair.

Then, the frame. All 204 centimetres and 106 kilograms of him.

But there's more to Soldo than that. The former basketballer and Category B rookie is an aspiring cartoonist, known for thinking outside the box.

And on Saturday, he'll be playing his first Grand Final.

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At the start of the year, news that Soldo would be playing in a premiership decider would have been met with a touch of anxiety from Tiger fans.

Before 2019, the cousin of former Richmond favourite Ivan Maric had played eight AFL games.

Before his debut in 2017 Soldo is presented his jumper by cousin Ivan Maric. Picture: AFL Photos

But a long-term adductor injury to Toby Nankervis thrust Soldo into the spotlight in round 10 and he's settled into the top level with ease, even signing a new two-year deal in August.

"I actually played in Ivan's first ever football game in under-18s (for Northern Knights), so it's pretty special seeing him play the way he is now and how much he's progressed in his football career," Jayden Short said.

"It's just amazing to see how good he's become. He's just a big presence, a big brute, he gets to contests and gives his all and that's all we can ask for."

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Soldo is averaging 26 hitouts and nine disposals a match, and after an extended period of time as the main man, is now sharing duties with the returning Nankervis.

Soldo and Toby Nankervis in Friday's Grand Final parade. Picture: AFL Photos

The pair have played two games together this year – the qualifying and the preliminary finals – and share the load, averaging between 60 to 70 per cent game time each.

"We think having him and 'Nank' in the same team gives us a real edge," midfielder Shane Edwards said.

"It's been very different having the two, we've been able to get some ruck dominance during the game. Sometimes we (previously) almost had to sacrifice the ruck dominance and play defensive, which can drain you a fair bit.

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"It's been really good because they're completely different ruckmen, so they've got different strengths, they complement each other and they're really selfless.

"They've got a really good chemistry at the moment and they're both still young, so we're excited to see where they can go."

Soldo, 23, is also starting to come into his own off the field.

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Dion Prestia said Soldo's "favourite things are a bit different", while Edwards elaborated on the big man's ambitions.

"He wants to be a cartoonist throughout or maybe even after his career," Edwards said.

"He's got a really witty sense of humour that, as he matures and comes out of his shell, might be something to really keep an eye on.

"A good drawer and a really creative guy, you can see it in the way he heads the ball and kicks it off the ground at stoppages.

"He thinks laterally."