IVAN MARIC
The value of the Tigers' No.1 big man was made blatantly clear in the opening half of last season when he missed the first 10 games with an ankle injury. Not only did they miss his dominance in the ruck – indicated by the fact they went from being ranked 10th in clearances before round 10 to the No.1 side in clearance differential between rounds 11-23 - but also his leadership around the ground. Now entering his fourth season at the club, a full pre-season from Maric will help ensure the Tigers get off to a better start than they did in 2014.
KEY 2014 STATS: 14 games, 356 hit-outs, five goals, ranked 17th in the League for total hit-outs.
ALEX RANCE
The 2014 All Australian key defender was another who was significantly absent early on in the year with a foot injury (sustained when he fell off a bike) keeping him from playing in rounds 2-6. Indicative of his influence, the Tigers conceded 93 points per game on average when he wasn't playing, compared to just 77 when he was out there during the home and away season. He was significant in the run to the finals, especially against Kurt Tippett and Adam Goodes in round 23 when the Tigers upset the Swans to seal their place in the finals. He led the team for one percenters and placed sixth in the club's best and fairest despite playing just 18 games.
KEY 2014 STATS: 18 games, 312 disposals, ranked 8th in one percenters in the League, ranked fifth in time on ground percentage per game.
