The 21-year-old ruckman/forward joined Freo via the Pre-season Draft last year.
He took on the star Tigers’ big man a couple of years ago while playing for Central Districts in the SANFL.
Maric was with the Adelaide Crows back then but was playing for his state league side, the Port Adelaide Magpies.
Hannath said a fair bit had changed since then.
“He probably had a fair bit more on me than he would now size-wise,” he said.
“He was obviously a pretty big boy and I was pretty scrawny.
“He probably got the better of me that day.
“It will be interesting coming up against him on Friday night, a couple of years down the track, having watched him play well at Richmond over the past year or two.”
Hannath found out he’d be playing at the end of Thursday’s team meeting.
He immediately called his mother, but he didn’t give her the good news straight away.
“I had just asked mum what she’d been up to, and she’d been down to the Anzac Day service,” Hannath said.
“She asked me if I knew anything (about selection) and I let her know I was actually playing tomorrow night.
“She had a go at me for not telling her straight away. But she was rapt, mum and dad are really pleased.”
Hannath was also very happy, knowing his AFL debut was just a day away.
“It’s surreal at the moment,” he said.
“It’s very exciting. I’m absolutely rapt.
“I’ll definitely be soaking it up this afternoon.”
The 201cm Hannath expected to perform roles as a back-up ruckman and in the forward line on Friday night.
“I’ll be helping out ‘Griff’ (Jon Griffin) in the ruck, playing that second ruck role, and spend a bit of time up forward, with Pav not down there,” he said.
Hannath, who attended a Dawn Service in Perth on Thursday, said he couldn’t have hoped for a better occasion than the Len Hall Game to make his debut.
“Friday night, I’m sure there will be a big crowd down at Patersons Stadium, and Anzac Day weekend. It will be a really special day and I’ll cherish it.”
