Where is Ben Griffiths at??

[Livonski]

I think it's a classic illustration of our depth. We're not giving anyone "a run at it" anymore and there's just not a spot for him right at the minute. These types spend plenty of time in the 2nds at the good clubs and then lo and behold can step right in and perform when their time comes.
I'm 50:50 on Griff at the minute and can see how a lack of intensity might be a knock on him, but maybe that comes with a bit more self belief and confidence. Forward or back, I don't care, but he couldn't get near it as a forward when he played seniors so it made perfect sense for him to learn the game down back.
Hope he makes it, because if it does click for him he'll be a weapon.

 

[Damo80]

From what i've observed he looks like he lacks intensity, the most obvious trait being he only seems to have 1st and 2nd gear and totally lacks 3rd, 4th etc, etc..... Not sure that explains what I've seen well. Others noticed this at all?

I think you're spot on. On paper, has the attributes, in reality, lacks that competitive beast and certainly appears quite laconic, and lacking in intensity in the way he plays. This, IMO, is the greatest issue he faces... not the (so stated) "fact" that he's a forward being played out of position.

 

[Bird Man]

if he leaves and becomes a gun forward our coaching staff need to be sacked

 

[tigers_of_old_08]

I think it's a classic illustration of our depth. We're not giving anyone "a run at it" anymore and there's just not a spot for him right at the minute. These types spend plenty of time in the 2nds at the good clubs and then lo and behold can step right in and perform when their time comes.
I'm 50:50 on Griff at the minute and can see how a lack of intensity might be a knock on him, but maybe that comes with a bit more self belief and confidence. Forward or back, I don't care, but he couldn't get near it as a forward when he played seniors so it made perfect sense for him to learn the game down back.
Hope he makes it, because if it does click for him he'll be a weapon.

Highlights the importance of having our own stand alone team (I think Allen Christensen referred to it as Geelong's academy system) where they get taught the same way in the VFL as they play in the AFL. That way when a senior player drops out through injury, suspension, whatever, another player slots straight in.
ATM our entire reserves, not just Griffo, don't have that advantage that would go on to fast track their development.

 

[theflea]

Sick of these threads. Especially the threads about Ben Griffiths because everyone invariably says the same thing - "should be played as a forward".

I doubt any of you know the kid personally, and I also doubt any of you know the coaches personally either. Perhaps there is a very valid reason that he is being played down there? And as much as it pains you, you won't know why. So, how about we stop making stupid threads like these for people just to answer that he should be played as a forward etc etc, and put some trust in the coaching staff. Do you honestly think you are the only people who can see that he has a big kick, is a big body and can take a grab? Do you think the coaching staff just happened to miss those facts???

How about you talk about how he's currently doing in the VFL, and what he can do AS A BACKMAN to earn a game?

As much as we all do it to varying degrees, we all think we know footy more than the professionals who have extremely high footy knowledge but only the most arrogant fans would believe they know more.

 

[theflea]

JON and Putt were not very good, VFL level at best. Griff has far more potential but has been held back by a poor decision to change him to a defender when he spent all his days leading up to the draft as a FF and HF

How do you know it was a poor decision? What did he do as a fwd when fit other than take a mark v fletcher?

 

[mcuzzy]

How do you know it was a poor decision? What did he do as a fwd when fit other than take a mark v fletcher?

He's developed as a young forward, so you'd think the best idea would be to further develop him as a forward. It's not about what he did as a forward, because he is still young and has barely played in the forward line, by that logic we might as well chuck Elton down back permanently as well

 

[theflea]

He's developed as a young forward, so you'd think the best idea would be to further develop him as a forward. It's not about what he did as a forward, because he is still young and has barely played in the forward line, by that logic we might as well chuck Elton down back permanently as well

Nearly all fwds at some stage in their development phase play down back to understand fwd running patterns and a defensive mindset to round out their 'learning'. Players need to be multi positional, so they cant be pidgeonholed in 1 place and therefore limit their ability to play. Most backman these days are fwd's who were sent back(carlisle a 50/50 when drafted but the point stands) unless they own that position from the start which for griff didnt happen irrespective of why. It also means it's not set in stone and a switch can happen(we have seen this this year at training and vfl). It was also seen as less 'taxing' on his shoulders playing back than fwd coming back from injury and just getting game time into him. Finally it also depends on team balance and at the moment we dont have a position for him there yet and how to fit all players in a team regardless of afl or vfl teams. As has been stated do you really think the club dont have his best interests in mind knowing his assets as a player and knowing him personally?

 

[mcuzzy]

Nearly all fwds at some stage in their development phase play down back to understand fwd running patterns and a defensive mindset to round out their 'learning'. Players need to be multi positional, so they cant be pidgeonholed in 1 place and therefore limit their ability to play. Most backman these days are fwd's who were sent back(carlisle a 50/50 when drafted but the point stands) unless they own that position from the start which for griff didnt happen irrespective of why. It also means it's not set in stone and a switch can happen(we have seen this this year at training and vfl). It was also seen as less 'taxing' on his shoulders playing back than fwd coming back from injury and just getting game time into him. Finally it also depends on team balance and at the moment we dont have a position for him there yet and how to fit all players in a team regardless of afl or vfl teams. As has been stated do you really think the club dont have his best interests in mind knowing his assets as a player and knowing him personally?

Maybe they do spend time down back, but not to this extent and not to the extent McGuane did

 

[theflea]

Maybe they do spend time down back, but not to this extent and not to the extent McGuane did

Sure but it doesnt mean they have to stay there.

 

[_RT_]

The kid is 21 and still developing himself after effectively losing the first few seasons to injury, meaning that he hasn't had the chance to build a tank. Make no mistake Griffiths has the talent to be something special for us, the problem is that he needs time. At the moment playing him down back and occasionally up forward gives him a chance to get games under his belt and develop his game both offensively and defensively. Seriously people need to stop getting concerned about our young talls especially when they are still in the early stages of their careers.

 

[Spluff]

When has he even been given a fair shot in the forward line? He was injured very quickly and then by the time he was playing again he was in the backline. Seems fair, but after all, we are Richmond.

Look at Luke McGuane, drafted as a forward and turned into a defender, that went well. What an absolute waste.

He played forward all through his first year, hes been playing forward this year, and he played forward throughout his junior career. And he never really put it together there. It's obvious he's not a back and I'm glad that experiment is over, but it's not being played as a defender that's hampering him, it's his own performances.

McGuane was pretty putrid as a forward when he was drafted, and came into the club in a time when we had a lot of forwards (that would have held him out of the side) and not many defenders - and he did a pretty good job as a defender in 08 and 09. If he'd stayed as a forward he would have been delisted by now, because he never would have had much of an opportunity with far superior players in front of him in the lineup.

 

[sante]

Thought he would have played more than he has. The club rate him, just don't have a spot for him really.

 

[mcuzzy]

He played forward all through his first year, hes been playing forward this year, and he played forward throughout his junior career. And he never really put it together there. It's obvious he's not a back and I'm glad that experiment is over, but it's not being played as a defender that's hampering him, it's his own performances.

McGuane was pretty putrid as a forward when he was drafted, and came into the club in a time when we had a lot of forwards (that would have held him out of the side) and not many defenders - and he did a pretty good job as a defender in 08 and 09. If he'd stayed as a forward he would have been delisted by now, because he never would have had much of an opportunity with far superior players in front of him in the lineup.

Give a key position player more time to develop in their preferred position and more often than not it will work out, enough said. our policy of changing positions and bringing in older players to replace developing players had never worked and i hope we've moved on from that

 

[Dr Awkward]

I didn't think he was THAT bad as a backman, thought he was going ok. It's hard to find blokes that tall and big that can play on monster forwards, I don't think he ever disgraced himself.

In any case, it's good to see him back in the forward line at Coburg because he can take a grab and roost it. Could be a good half forward flank I think.

 

[tora tora tora]

He played poorly against Hampson in Round 1. Was lead to the ball, couldn't spoil in the air, looked out of position and thats why he's out of the team, hopefully learning his craft

 

[Wallaby]

He just looks unimpressive. OK - maybe he's rather play as a forward - but even as a backman, he might occasionally get up for a big grab. he might occasionally lay a hard tackle. he may occasionally show that he's up to the pace. So far, he hasn't - either in the AFL or (very limited viewing) in the VFL. There is nothing in what I've seen that suggests he would be any better as a forward.

Hopefully, it's just injuries - still recovering. You wouldn't think it's his effort (surely everybody on an AFL list is going as fast as he can). Maybe the game is just that bit too quick for him, and he's one of those kids who made it this far because of his size and his attributes (kicking in particular) - definitely worth a punt.

BUt he needs to show something other than just launching a few 60-metre bombs.

 

[Riskingheadandshin]

He played poorly against Hampson in Round 1. Was lead to the ball, couldn't spoil in the air, looked out of position and thats why he's out of the team, hopefully learning his craft

And hampson gets bronx cheered by his own team when he does anything.

 

[_Wang_]

Griffiths spent the vast majority of his first few seasons injured.. I am backing him in to make an impact as he matures..

 

[Stylo]

Is he playing for the burgers today? Hope he kicks a bag

 

[Colonel]

Griffiths could be a superstar but his lack of intensity is a serious concern.

If this doesn't change i fear big Griff will fall to the wayside

 

[Tiger_Of_Old]

Agree on the intensity.Needs to impact a contest win lose or draw.Atm his opponent just gets a metre on him and its over rover.

 

[TJTIGER]

Agree on the intensity.Needs to impact a contest win lose or draw.Atm his opponent just gets a metre on him and its over rover.

Agree T_O_O, he must have a genuine sense of determination to have got over his injuries. For some players it's a gritting of the teeth and they go hard at it for others like Brett D or Cotch you can see it in their style of play but I'm yet to see those indicators from Ben. Has the foundations of ability and I can see why he was drafted, but I still have that little question mark in my mind about as you say "INTENSITY". I wish/hope others can correct me regarding this aspect of his game. I've seen that intensity from Conca, Ellis and Tigga. Is it just a confidence thing maybe? I'm not sure......

 

[Tiger_Of_Old]

Agree T_O_O, he must have a genuine sense of determination to have got over his injuries. For some players it's a gritting of the teeth and they go hard at it for others like Brett D or Cotch you can see it in their style of play but I'm yet to see those indicators from Ben. Has the foundations of ability and I can see why he was drafted, but I still have that little question mark in my mind about as you say "INTENSITY". I wish/hope others can correct me regarding this aspect of his game. I've seen that intensity from Conca, Ellis and Tigga. Is it just a confidence thing maybe? I'm not sure......

I think his intensity aspect of his game can be put down in part to his injury history,But i suppose it's getting to a point that he has to just go for it and test out his shoulder,And who knows if he finds that his shoulder will stand up then all of a sudden his confidence returns and he could turn it all around.For his sake and the the clubs he needs to put it to the test at some point this year.

 

[Darth_Tiger]

hes 200cm and 21 years old. Give him a break, at any decent club a player like him would be given time at reserve level and not see senior action for a long time.