Shaun Grigg is relishing a more permanent move into Richmond’s midfield this year.
The 27-year-old veteran of 138 league games all-up (95 with Richmond and 43 before that at Carlton) has been one of the Tigers’ most consistent performers throughout the 2015 season.
He is averaging 20.9 disposals per game, 4.6 marks, 4.5 tackles and has hit the scoreboard, too, with a total of 11 goals.
Grigg again was a valuable contributor for Richmond in last Friday night’s MCG encounter with his former club Carlton, picking up 25 disposals, including 13 contested possessions and an equal game-high seven clearances.
The focus on the defensive side of his game also was highlighted by the fact he had an equal game-high seven tackles.
“Probably when I first came over to Richmond we had some big ‘bulls’ in there (the midfield), like Shane Tuck and Daniel Jackson. So with those boys retiring, there were a couple of spots up for grabs,” Grigg said on the ABC.
“I want to play through the midfield a bit and sort of just play everywhere, rather than just be plonked out on a wing.
“So, I’m enjoying my footy at the moment . . .
“I was challenged that if I wanted to play that role, then I had to get my balance right (contested and uncontested possessions). So I worked pretty closely with Brendon Lade, the midfield coach.
“Mark ‘Choco’ Williams, as well, really drove me . . . just to those high standards that I want to play to.
“At stages, I still play on the wing or half-forward, to give the boys a bit of a chop-out. But it’s good to have a bit better balance.”
