The injury to Aaron Sandilands has sidelined the Fremantle ruckman since he suffered a punctured lung and broken ribs in round three, but that hasn’t stopped him from being an influential figure around the club, according to Freo big man Jonathon Griffin.
Griffin has shouldered the majority of the ruck duties since in Sandilands’ absence, but he said the two-time Doig Medallist had played an important role off the field.
“We’ve had a couple of chats around the club and he’s been great,” Griffin said.
“I’ve bounced some ideas off him in regards to who I’m playing against every week and he’s been a great support for me this year."
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Upon hearing the news of Sandilands’ re-signing for the 2017 season, Griffin said he had no thoughts about his own playing time, but rather relished the opportunity to grow as a player alongside his teammate.
“He’s a great bloke and I love having him around the footy club.
“To have him sign is great for us.
“The intra-club competition really drives me to get better and become a stronger player, so I love having him around.”
As for the rest of 2016, Griffin said he’d like to line up alongside Sandilands again, but would continue to refine his own game before that possibility becomes reality.
“I love playing footy with him,” he said.
“(But) the only thing I can control is my form so that’s up to the match committee.
“I’m always looking for ways to improve, whether it’s up forward or in the ruck.
“It’s not ideal to have Aaron out of the side but I’m trying as hard as I can during the week to grow my game and play the best I can on the weekend.”
