Maric presents a challenge to Angus: Riewoldt (Age)

[one-eyed]

The recruitment of former Adelaide tall man Ivan Maric presents a challenge to ruckman Angus Graham. Graham and youngster Andrew Browne had been Richmond's main rucking options until Maric joined.

The combination of Maric and the substitute rule means that Graham, who has played 47 games (14 last year), will now need to concentrate on keeping his spot in the senior side.

''He hasn't had his spot gifted to him, but it was there for the taking when we didn't really have a ruckman there to challenge him,'' Riewoldt said.

''Having Ivan here will challenge him and Gus will have to get his arse into gear. He knows that, and it's exciting that Gus might lift his game as he's never been challenged before.''

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/riewoldt-ready-to-roar-for-tigers-20120103-1pjld.html#ixzz1iPc3LmKr

[mightytiges]

Well according to Dimma at the AGM, Maric is pretty much locked in for round 1 barring injury.

[WA Tiger]

Well according to Dimma at the AGM, Maric is pretty much locked in for round 1 barring injury.

So he should be, that's why he was recruited, same as Morris.

[WilliamPowell]

''Having Ivan here will challenge him and Gus will have to get his behind into gear. He knows that, and it's exciting that Gus might lift his game as he's never been challenged before.''

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/riewoldt-ready-to-roar-for-tigers-20120103-1pjld.html#ixzz1iPc3LmKr

Damning statement on Gus by Jack IMHO, no point in hiding the truth though   

Glad to see someone actually come out & say it 

[Mr Magic]

Am very hopeful that Graham takes his game to another level.

[Smokey]

Am very hopeful that Graham takes his game to another level.

Any level of confidence in that hope MM?

[Mr Magic]

Am very hopeful that Graham takes his game to another level.

Any level of confidence in that hope MM?

Yep. Gus has some tools to be a good AFL player.
A bit of competition might be just the spark he needs to bring out his best.
Arguably still has his best football ahead of him given the history of late developing ruck men.

[tiga]

I swear Jack has Aspergers. The guy has no filter. However in this instance it could be a good thing as the Beefcake really needs to get into gear if he wants to keep the dream alive.

[MADTIGER2010]

Maric can teach Graham how to jump in the ruck and try and win hitouts. He can teach Graham how to use his body and take overhead marks too 

[JVT]

Graham has way too many faults to be an AFL player. As Jack said, there were no other options which is why he was picked. 

[Dubstep Dookie]

Graham is a hack. Couldn't teach him to jump over his duplo box

[Ox]

Graham has way too many faults to be an AFL player. As Jack said, there were no other options which is why he was picked. 

There were no other options because Hardwick didn't bother to get one in his first year

[Jackstar is back again]

Am very hopeful that Graham takes his game to another level.

From Basement level is level 1.
Simply he cannot play

[Jackstar is back again]

Well according to Dimma at the AGM, Maric is pretty much locked in for round 1 barring injury.

So he should be, that's why he was recruited, same as Morris.

Couldnt get a game at Adelaide,
Putting our faith in an ordinary player

[RedanTiger]

There were no other options because Hardwick didn't bother to get one in his first year

Bit harsh and off the mark.
When Hardwick joined for 2010, Cameron and Campbell had made the list decisions (since Hardwick knew none of the players) for the trade and draft periods and decided to keep Simmonds and delist Pattison. IIRC Hardwick said at the time he differed from those decisions on one player. Whether that was Simmonds/Pattison we don't know but Simmonds was prepared to retire at the end of 2009 and was convinced to sign on for another year.

In 2010, Hardwick obviously asked for a mature ruckman (given Simmonds retirement early in the season) and Jackson drafted Derrickx, a 23yo ruck from WAFL club Claremont when Giles was really the only other option. In team selections it should be noted that they used Post late in the seaason as the second ruck which demonstrates the lack of options the match committee saw in front of them. 

Again in 2011, Hardwick has asked for a mature ruck and they have traded for Maric.

Don't think you can tag Hardwick with the ruck problem but nice angling.