Tweet
Bulldog must impose himself
Mike Sheahan | May 19, 2009 12:00am
At quarter-time in the Western Bulldogs' Round 1 fixture, Ryan Griffen's admirers were sitting back thinking how astute they (we) were. He had produced a quarter against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval that vindicated the most optimistic predictions for the dashing midfielder.
Seven possessions plus three goals, in 30 minutes; that is impressive by anyone's standards.
Those who had maintained the faith were convinced the boy had become a man.
A week later, he racked up 28 disposals in the win over North Melbourne and the fan club was buzzing with expectation.
Two rounds into the season, the Bulldogs were 2-0, Griffen was equal third in the AFL Coaches' Association champion player award. Perched behind St Kilda's Nick Dal Santo and Geelong's Gary Ablett.
After eight rounds, the old perception has resurfaced: Does he impose himself upon a game often enough?
If the answer is "no", is it because he doesn't work hard enough?
They are intriguing questions, and my answers are "no" and "yes".
In 2007, he led the competition for "metres gained", the measure of distance covered each time a player kicks the ball, be it long, short or sideways.
The '07 figure of 40.8m dropped to 34.8m in 2008 and is down to 28.6m this year.
Yet, at 22 and with 83 games to his name, he should be in, or nearing, his prime.
Put simply, he is a matchwinner who doesn't influence nearly enough matches.
He has had more than 25 possessions just twice in his career, both times against North Melbourne: in 2006 and 2009.
If the Bulldogs are to challenge for the flag this year, three players will lead the charge: Adam Cooney, Bob Murphy and Griffen.
Cooney and Griffen both are ball-carriers, and both use the ball beautifully.
Griffen is equal fourth at the Bulldogs for hardball gets this year, but, oddly, doesn't get as many "easy" kicks as expected.
He doesn't kick enough goals, either.
He had three at quarter-time in Round 1 and has seven after eight rounds.
He kicked 18 from 24 games last year, but his career average is 0.49. Admittedly, much of his time has been spent at half-back.
At 188cm and 86kg and with his natural pace and power and driving right-foot kick, he has all the attributes to be an elite player.
There are times when he plays to that level, but there are too many times when he is spectator rather than playmaker.
If his team is to have a realistic chance of toppling Geelong at Etihad Stadium on Friday night, he has to be in the mood he took into the Fremantle game.
He must play as if he believes he is the most important player in the contest.
If he can recapture that attitude, he just might be.
Is Ryan Griffen living up to expectations?
Mike Sheahan | May 19, 2009 12:00am
At quarter-time in the Western Bulldogs' Round 1 fixture, Ryan Griffen's admirers were sitting back thinking how astute they (we) were. He had produced a quarter against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval that vindicated the most optimistic predictions for the dashing midfielder.
Seven possessions plus three goals, in 30 minutes; that is impressive by anyone's standards.
Those who had maintained the faith were convinced the boy had become a man.
A week later, he racked up 28 disposals in the win over North Melbourne and the fan club was buzzing with expectation.
Two rounds into the season, the Bulldogs were 2-0, Griffen was equal third in the AFL Coaches' Association champion player award. Perched behind St Kilda's Nick Dal Santo and Geelong's Gary Ablett.
After eight rounds, the old perception has resurfaced: Does he impose himself upon a game often enough?
If the answer is "no", is it because he doesn't work hard enough?
They are intriguing questions, and my answers are "no" and "yes".
In 2007, he led the competition for "metres gained", the measure of distance covered each time a player kicks the ball, be it long, short or sideways.
The '07 figure of 40.8m dropped to 34.8m in 2008 and is down to 28.6m this year.
Yet, at 22 and with 83 games to his name, he should be in, or nearing, his prime.
Put simply, he is a matchwinner who doesn't influence nearly enough matches.
He has had more than 25 possessions just twice in his career, both times against North Melbourne: in 2006 and 2009.
If the Bulldogs are to challenge for the flag this year, three players will lead the charge: Adam Cooney, Bob Murphy and Griffen.
Cooney and Griffen both are ball-carriers, and both use the ball beautifully.
Griffen is equal fourth at the Bulldogs for hardball gets this year, but, oddly, doesn't get as many "easy" kicks as expected.
He doesn't kick enough goals, either.
He had three at quarter-time in Round 1 and has seven after eight rounds.
He kicked 18 from 24 games last year, but his career average is 0.49. Admittedly, much of his time has been spent at half-back.
At 188cm and 86kg and with his natural pace and power and driving right-foot kick, he has all the attributes to be an elite player.
There are times when he plays to that level, but there are too many times when he is spectator rather than playmaker.
If his team is to have a realistic chance of toppling Geelong at Etihad Stadium on Friday night, he has to be in the mood he took into the Fremantle game.
He must play as if he believes he is the most important player in the contest.
If he can recapture that attitude, he just might be.
Is Ryan Griffen living up to expectations?
Comment