Three losses and a bad run of injuries have created a lot of negativity from outside the club but Maric says the players will stay positive despite the disappointment.
“We want to win. It’s in our blood that we try so hard to win, that’s why we play the game and it’s disappointing when you get a loss,” said Maric, who had 18 possessions and took nine marks against Melbourne.
“This group’s got a lot of belief in ourselves and in our game style and how good we can be. That’s what we’re going to focus on believing in.”
Adelaide was an improved side in the first half and only inaccuracy in front of goal stopped them from having a bigger half time lead.
As Melbourne fought back, injuries took their toll and Adelaide surrendered their 25 point lead and finished the game with only 18 fit players.
Maric said the team’s ability to fight until the end and show improvement in their competitiveness was reason to take positives out of the result.
“We showed a lot of fight and hunger for the contest. We came out and we were leading for most of the game so I suppose that’s a good positive for us,” Maric said.
“We’ve lost three but we’re still going to fight, and we’re going to bring our most attacking game style every week no matter who it is. We’re still striving to continually improve and take on the best.”
Maric was one of Adelaide’s better players on Sunday and when he became the sole ruckman after Tippett went down in the last quarter he toiled manfully.
He is one of a group of players who have missed a lot of football through injury and he said the fitness and continual improvement is coming week by week.
“I haven’t got that match fitness because obviously I’ve only played three games including that pre-season game,” said Maric.
“Each week I just need to get the most out of games and really work hard and push myself mentally. Every opportunity I get I’m doing extra fitness to help.”
