Ruckman Jon Griffin says his focus in 2013 has been tocompete strongly in the stoppage battles and let an in-form Freo midfield division do the rest.

The 27-year-old has taken over the mantle as number one ruckman in the absence of Aaron Sandilands, who is out with a long-term hamstring injury.

In the opening two rounds of the 2013 home and away season, Griffin has matched it with two of the AFL’s elite ruckmen, West Coast’s Dean Cox and Bulldog Will Minson.

Against the Eagles, Griffin had 12 disposals, 20 hitouts and seven one-percenters. He had 13 touches and 23 hitouts against the Dogs.

While he’s been beaten in the overall hitout count, the former Adelaide ruckman has competed well enough to limit the effectiveness of his opponents and allow Freo’s midfielders to do the rest.

“If I’m not going to win the hitout, I try to affect it to give our guys the best chance of winning the clearance,” Griffin said.

“Our midfield has been very good at doing that.”

Griffin felt he and the midfield group have been growing as a unit, and it gave him great confidence knowing the form they have been in.

“We always have a good talk at centre bounces and at the stoppages and the boys have been responding very well,” he said.

“That comes from preparation at training and it’s great to see the results coming out from that hard work.”

Up next for Griffin is Essendon duo Patrick Ryder and Tom Bellchambers, who monstered Melbourne’s Mark Jamar in a 148-point win last Saturday.

But he welcomed the contest.

“I love the challenge each week and I’m looking forward to next week’s,” Griffin said.

“Essendon have a couple of very good ruckmen and it’ll be great to have a battle and get a win.

“They beat us last year at Patersons Stadium so I’m sure the boys will be revved up and ready to go on Friday night.”

2013 STARLIGHT PURPLE HAZE GAME: Friday 12 April v Essendon at Patersons Stadium, 6:40pm bounce down. Dress in purple ot WIN! Proudly supported by Fremantle Ports. Find out how you can help Starlight here.

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