With the countdown to bouncedown season 2012 on in earnest, Tony Greenberg will spend the next couple of weeks examining the burning questions on the lips of the Yellow and Black faithful.  Here is his look at the first burning question for 2012 . . .

Will Ivan Maric provide Richmond’s ruck stocks with a significant boost?

The league career of the 26-year-old may have stalled in Adelaide last season, but he does bring valuable experience, aggression and physicality to the Tigers’ raw ruck division. 

Maric has already had a fair impact since flying from the Crows’ nest and arriving at Punt Road late last year, impressing all and sundry with his attitude, work ethic and leadership qualities.   He was starved of opportunities at Adelaide in his sixth season of AFL football last year, managing just six appearances, so he’s super-keen to hit the ground running at Tigerland in season 2012. 

Don’t underestimate the impact the 200cm veteran of 77 league games can have on the team’s talented, young midfield.  I’m sure Cotchin, Martin and co. will appreciate having a seasoned, big-bodied ruckman providing them with first use of the ‘pill’ at the all-important centre bounces and stoppages. 

Maric also will ease the burden on young ruckmen Angus Graham and Andrew Browne, while, at the same time, throwing down the challenge for them to step up. 

Big men do take longer to mature at the game’s elite level, as we’ve seen many times in the past, so Maric, with the attributes he possesses, could well make a pretty decent fist of the opportunity available at his new football home.

The next burning question will appear tomorrow.