Dogs skipper unlikely to make trip west

[Scraggers]

Dogs skipper unlikely to make trip west

Western Bulldogs' loss could be West Coast's gain.

Dogs skipper Ryan Griffen is unlikely to make the trip west for Sunday's season opener after failing to train with the club today.

Griffen hadn't been able to play in any of the club's pre-season matches and the likelihood of spending four hours on the plane to make the clash was likely to dissuade the selectors from adding him to the travelling party.

However, veteran Robert Murphy, whose pre-season was interrupted by an elbow injury, was expected to line up against the Eagles.

Reported in the West Australian today LINK

[1eyedog]

Re: Dogs skipper unlikely to make trip west

So there is no report that he won't play - just that he didn't train for a game that won't be played for another 5 days. It will be disappointing if he doesn't play and will seriously affect our chances of being competitive.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Dogs skipper unlikely to make trip west

It is hard to see him lining up this weekend. If there's any doubt about his back there's no point risking him in Round 1, it's a long season and if he doesn't play I'll look forward to see who steps up in his absence.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Dogs skipper unlikely to make trip west

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-03-18/griffen-very-very-close

"Griffen, who has been dealing with tightness in his back, was restricted to walking laps at training on Tuesday morning."

[bulldogtragic]

Re: Dogs skipper unlikely to make trip west

Good opportunity for other to stand up, first up.

[Missing-Dog]

Re: Dogs skipper unlikely to make trip west

Dont risk him if hes not up to it then why play him at 50%

Happy to leave Boyd, COoney, Libba, Wallis, Macrae and Stevens in teh guts

[1eyedog]

Re: Dogs skipper unlikely to make trip west

Seems to me that very, very close is much better than 50%. I'll back him in no pun intended.

[Greystache]

Re: Dogs skipper unlikely to make trip west

Seems to me that very, very close is much better than 50%. I'll back him in no pun intended.

Something tells me he's 0% chance of playing this week.

[Go_Dogs]

Re: Dogs skipper unlikely to make trip west

Something tells me he's 0% chance of playing this week.

I agree, won't be playing this week for mine.

I'd really like to know the extent of his back complaint. Seems like it's more serious than just some tightness as was reported.

[GVGjr]

Re: Dogs skipper unlikely to make trip west

It is the first game of the season. If there is any doubt at all about the state of his back, why would you subject him to 8 hours stuck in cramped airline seats. Much as I hope he is right to go, anything less than 100%, and it is not worth the risk, he is too valuable a commodity.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: Dogs skipper unlikely to make trip west

Bob is skipper for his 250th then?

Nice reward for him.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: Dogs skipper unlikely to make trip west

I agree, won't be playing this week for mine.

I'd really like to know the extent of his back complaint. Seems like it's more serious than just some tightness as was reported.

Agreed.

He's had about 5 or so weeks off now hasn't he? Not good.

[Mantis]

Re: Dogs skipper unlikely to make trip west

Siting in a plane for 4hrs ain't much fun.. It's made worse when you have a dodgy back.

Not worth the risk.

[doggies ftw]

Re: Dogs skipper unlikely to make trip west

None of us know if its worth the risk or not unless we know the extent of his injury, agreed if its not right well don't play him but if he is right then he has to play because we need him, and if he does play then I trust the club who knows what he is doing.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Dogs skipper unlikely to make trip west

Bob is skipper for his 250th then?

Nice reward for him.

That's the silver lining I had in mind. We are still building this team, no need to risk Griffen. Make it easy for the umps to give Libba the 3 pts...