Griff - 'I'll dedicate this year to my dad'
'I'll dedicate this year to my dad'
Jackie Epstein | March 15, 2009 12:00am
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25187486-19775,00.html
BULLDOGS midfielder Ryan Griffen has dedicated this season to his father, John, who died last month after a long struggle with cancer. Griffen returned to his native South Australia to help his family come to terms with their loss.
Griffen, 22, said it would be tough to play without his mentor and friend.
"My dad and me were very, very close, so it was pretty hard," he said.
"I play a game and then I usually give him a call to have a chat about it or he watches the game. It's going to be a little bit different this year.
"Dad followed me with everything I did and he was probably the reason why I made it to this level.
"It'll be hard not to talk to him.
"I'll dedicate this year to my dad, so hopefully I can play some good footy for him. It does definitely make me more determined to play better."
Griffen has played all the practice matches since returning from SA.
He said the club had provided much support.
"My dad's been sick for about a year and when I decided to go back, the club were fantastic, just unbelievable," he said.
"They said, 'No pressure, go back as long as you need', which was fantastic.
"I'd love to stay there longer to support Mum, but I've got work and commitments back here. It's a hard one to make that decision to come back, but Mum's got plenty of support over there with family and friends.
"Hopefully, I can get back there before Round 1 to see how she's going, but we keep in contact nearly every day just to have a chat. It was a pretty hard decision when to come back but you have to do it some time."
Griffen said he had not missed a beat through the pre-season and was physically feeling fitter and stronger.
He is part of an imposing midfield group that includes Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney and best-and-fairest Daniel Cross.
"Last year, I played mainly midfield, so that's where I want to be," Griffen said.
"I want to start in the middle and I've worked pretty hard on my fitness and different sides of my game. Hopefully, I can stay in there and play some good footy.
"We've really got a good midfield now. (Adam) had a stellar year last year and he trains really hard. And Crossy is an unbelievable player as well, so hopefully we can all get up and running early and get a few wins on the board."
He said the group was determined to go further than last year's preliminary final and was not bothered by a barren pre-season.
"We haven't got a win on the board, yet, but all games have been pretty close and our preparation has been really good," Griffen said.
"We're ready to go - just waiting for Round 1.
"Last year gets in the back of your mind a little bit and it makes all the guys more determined this year, I reckon.
"Getting so close last year and not being able to take that one more step. It's a lot of effort and work to go to make that one step, so I think guys are determined and ready to go this year."