With Sandilands not expected back until a few weeks into the home and away season, Griffin has first go at showing the selectors why he should stay in the team, even when ‘Sandi’ returns.
It’s not uncharted territory for the former Adelaide Crow. He filled in admirably when Sandilands was injured in 2011, and again last year, when the three-time All Australian went down mid-season.
Most memorable, perhaps, was Griffin’s effort on a rain-sodden MCG against Richmond, in a game Sandilands exited early.
Matched up against All Australian hopeful Ivan Maric, on a ground Freo had not won at since round 4, 2007, ‘Griff’ stood tall and even kicked a goal Michael Walters would have been proud of.
During the 2013 NAB Cup phase, Griffin has been solid without excelling.
He had 26 hitouts, 11 disposals and a goal matched up against mobile Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer last Saturday, but he was quiet in the opening triangular series round against Geelong and West Coast.
The opening weeks of the season will present Griffin with a number of immense challenges, none more so than West Coast’s twin towers, Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui.
How the 27-year-old handles himself in this period could help shape his season.
