Fremantle senior coach Ross Lyon says ruckman Jon Griffin will play his first AFL game since Round 18 last year against Carlton on Saturday night.
Lyon revealed on Thursday morning that Griffin would return to the AFL side to boost the side’s tall timber.
Griffin has been in fine touch for Peel Thunder in the WAFL, kicking three goals against East Fremantle at the weekend, a sign the 29-year-old may spend time forward for Fremantle.
Lyon said Griffin was a certainty, providing he got through Thursday’s training session unscathed.
“He’s really great character, good values and works incredibly hard,” he said.
“He’s really team orientated.”
Griffin had an injury interrupted 2014, managing just one senior game after returning from a knee reconstruction.
Quicker ball movement to help forwards
A return to the AFL side would be a reward for Griffin’s loyalty, after extending his contract for two years earlier this season.
“He loves the club…he signed even when he knew Aaron Sandilands and Zac Clarke were ahead of him,” Lyon said.
“He’s a good story, he brings character and he loves the club.”
Lyon flagged further changes to the side that lost to Hawthorn by 72-points at Aurora Stadium that will be announced Thursday afternoon.
He also confirmed Zac Dawson (thumb) and Alex Silvagni (hamstring) would return to the field this week after recovering injury.
The pair will be a welcome return to the mix with fellow key defender Michael Johnson still sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Lyon said Dawson would likely return to AFL footy sooner than Silvagni, given he could train during his stint on the sidelines.
“He (Zac) had the pin out of his thumb on Tuesday…we think it’s in good shape,” he said.
“Zac has been full training with one arm, he could basically almost play senior footy straight away.
“Alex Silvagni will play but he’ll play in the seconds.
“Alex had a big hamstring, so will need a bit more (game time).
“It’ll be great to have those two guys back.”
Fremantle play Carlton at Domain Stadium on Saturday 18 July. Bounce down is at 5.40pm.
