Shaun Grigg had a breakout year of league football in 2012.
After a promising first-up season at Richmond in 2011 (10th in the Jack Dyer Medal) following his trade from Carlton, where he’d spent four years, Grigg grew into one of the Tigers’ most important players.
The hard-running, left-foot midfielder played every game, averaging 25.5 disposals per match, and racking up a career-high 37 touches against Melbourne in Round 3.
The fact that Grigg didn’t dip below 20 disposals, in any match throughout season 2012, highlights just how influential he was.
Grigg was ranked No. 1 at the Club and No. 3 in the competition for uncontested possessions (411), No. 2 at the Club for effective disposals (429), No. 2 at the Club for totalmarks (133), No. 4 at the Club for total disposals (576), and No. 4 at the Club for inside-50 entries (91).
He also finished sixth on Richmond’s goalkicking list with 18 goals, which was further evidence of the significant progression he made in 2012. In his five previous seasons of AFL football, Grigg had managed a combined total of just 16 goals.
On five occasions, Grigg scored multiple goals in a match, with a career-high three in the Tigers’ meritorious Round 7 win against eventual premiers, the Sydney Swans, at the MCG.
Grigg again was one of the team’s best that day and his third goal, deep into the last quarter, was the crucial match-sealer.
In now trademark fashion, Grigg took possession of the ball, ran hard inside the forward-50 arc, and then coolly slotted the six-pointer, to put the result beyond doubt.
That new-found ability to hit the scoreboard, clearly enhanced Grigg’s overall value to Richmond, and made him a much more dangerous player for opposition sides to match up on.
With his ability to spread from stoppages, find space, and consistently spear the ball into the team’s forward area, or through the big sticks, he became a real weapon for the Tigers.
The 24-year-old was rewarded for his efforts with the Club’s Most Improved Player award, a highly-creditable fifth placing in the 2012 Jack Dyer Medal, and a career-best 11 votes in the Brownlow Medal. His one and only Brownlow vote before this year came in 2011.
In his acceptance speech at the Jack Dyer Medal event, Grigg spoke passionately about life at his new football home.
“Thanks to the Club for giving me the opportunity to play – thanks ‘Dimma’ and Blair (Hartley), especially,” he said.
“To the boys, thanks for being so welcoming. I’ve loved every minute. You’ve made the change really easy.
“To the supporters – the big Tiger Army – running out to you guys, and kicking goals in front of you guys, it’s pretty special.”
It’s fair to say, the Yellow and Black faithful are starting to feel just as fond of Shaun Grigg, two years into his time at Tigerland.
