Room for all talls says Griffin
Jon Griffin is loving life as the lead ruckman, but he’s confident Freo’s future can include three talls
The 26-year-old has been thrust into the role of lead ruck after Sandilands went down with a toe injury.
He has been solid in the past three games, including a crucial performance against Richmond in round 11 - the game Sandilands hurt his toe and was subbed off early.
The three talls played in the Carlton Mid Derby earlier this season, and although it appeared to be unsuccessful on that occasion, Griffin said the onus was partly on himself to perform well when the trio were next selected in the same side.
“If the coaches do decide to play the three of us, that would be great,” he said.
“When we do play together, it's up to me to play the best I can so that we can show them it can work.”
The former Adelaide player said it was disappointing not to be playing alongside Sandilands, but he admitted the opportunity to be number one ruckman had helped his game.
“I think it's a combination of the responsibility and the game time,” he said.
“If you spend more time out there, you get more involvement in the game.
“I think with that, you play better.”
He said he had taken a fair amount of confidence from his performance against the Tigers and hoped to continue that through the coming weeks.
“It's obviously good to play well and for the team to win,” he said.
“I tried to take that form through these past couple of weeks, and hopefully we can get a win against the Western Bulldogs.”
Griffin said he wasn’t hanging his hat on the knowledge his spot in the side appeared safe as long as Sandilands was out.
“I don't really think about that,” he said.
“Each week I try to play the best I can.
“I'm living and playing on the edge.”
A Freo fan since his childhood, Griffin said he was happy being at the port club.
“I barracked for Fremantle as a kid, so I'm very happy to be part of the footy club,” he said.
“My family is here, so I'm definitely settled here.
“I'm just concentrating on doing the best for Fremantle and playing well here.”