Griffin was omitted for the club’s two finals in favour of three-time All Australian Aaron Sandilands.
But a huge 46-hitout and three-goal effort for East Fremantle in a losing grand final should give the 26-year-old a big confidence boost.
Freo assistant and senior development coach Simon Lloyd said Griffin had stood up on a number of occasions this season.
“The big thing about Jon was that he stood up when Aaron Sandilands was out of the team,” Lloyd said.
“He played his role for the club and I think another year into playing AFL, Jon’s just going to grow with the team and have more of a consistent presence week in, week out in 2013.”
Lloyd shared his notes from all the Fremantle Dockers who played in the WAFL Grand Final.
Jon Griffin - East Fremantle: 14 disposals (12 kicks, 2 handballs), 8 marks, 4 tackles, 46 hitouts, 3 goals
Jon Griffin played ruck and deep forward. He had a four quarter performance where he really led his team with effort. When the team was in dire straits at quarter time, Jon really stood up and led the way and helped the Sharks get back in the game. His ruck work gave his mids first access to the ball. He also took some strong contested marks and played with a real presence. He kicked three really good goals from set shots. Jon stood up in a big game and almost got his team over the line.
Nick Suban - Claremont: 12 disposals (9 kicks, 3 handballs), 7 inside 50s,
Nick played stint at half-back on Brad Dick and did a good job containing the West Coast Eagle. He also played as an inside-mid and put his head over the ball on a number of occasions. The big thing for us was there were moments in the game where he went inside for centre-square bounces and had an effect at the stoppages, particularly when the Tigers were challenged in the last quarter. Nick stood up and had four clearances, three of them from centre bounces and was the catalyst for scoring.
Cam Sutcliffe - East Fremantle: 9 disposals (7 kicks, 2 handballs), 3 tackles
Cam had a quiet game playing wing and high forward, with his overall run being down. His general approach to physical contests was also down, but overall Cam has had a solid first season and we’re looking forward to 2013.
Sam Menegola - East Fremantle: 17 disposals (16 kicks, 1 handball), 6 marks, 1 goal
Sam played as a key forward/high forward for the first three quarters and then went up onto the wing in the last quarter. He played a solid role early where he hit up high and provided a contest in the air. He took three strong contested marks and was a main threat across half forward for the Sharks. He was involved in four goals assists and kicked one himself, even though he probably should have finished with three. Sam, in the second term, helped East Fremantle get back into the game.
