In a special summer series, Richmond Media is counting down the top 25 Tiger recruits from rival AFL clubs throughout the past five decades. Coming in today at No. 10 is Shaun Grigg.
After managing just 43 senior appearances with Carlton in four seasons, Shaun Grigg, seeking greater opportunity at the game’s highest level, joined Richmond during the 2010 trade period in exchange for young Tiger Andrew Collins.
It would turn out to be a huge win for the Tigers, with Grigg going on to play 171 games in the Yellow and Black, while Collins managed just 11 as a Blue.
That total of 171 games by Grigg also happens to be the most by any player in Richmond’s history wearing the No. 6 guernsey.
Grigg was a model of consistency right throughout his time at Tigerland.
Across his playing career at Richmond, Grigg averaged 22.3 disposals per match, and he filled several important on-field roles along the way, including second ruckman in the Tigers’ drought-breaking 2017 premiership year.
Despite being considerably undersized for that task, he attacked it with his trademark selflessness, determination and football ‘smarts’.
Consequently, he was able to provide the team’s No. 1 ruckman Toby Nankervis with valuable back-up.
Grigg performed admirably in the 2017 Grand Final against Adelaide, finishing the big match with 17 disposals, nine contested possessions, five clearances, three inside-50s, one goal, five score involvements, three tackles and 276 metres gained.
As a midfielder, Grigg’s ability to spread from stoppages, find space, and propel the ball inside the Tigers’ forward-50 area on his left boot, made him such a key member of the line-up.
While the focus outside Punt Road always appeared to be trained on the “Fab Four” – Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt, Alex Rance and Dustin Martin, as well as several other top-line Tigers – within the four walls at Punt Road, Shaun Grigg was held in the highest regard.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick had this to say about Grigg when he announced his playing retirement from AFL football during the 2019 season after struggling to overcome a chronic knee injury . . .
True to form, Grigg’s unselfish decision freed up a spot on the Tigers’ playing list, ultimately paving the way for Marlion Pickett to be recruited from WAFL club South Fremantle via the AFL’s mid-season rookie draft, and for his fairytale senior league Grand Final debut that year.
“Shaun was always a team-first player,” Hardwick said.
“Look at when he first came into the footy club, and he's a big part of the reason we’re at a place where we are now.
“He's been so important to the fabric of our club.”
Grigg’s name is etched eternally in the annals of Tigerland as a premiership player.
He will always be fondly remembered by the Tiger Army for the valuable contribution he made to Richmond’s tremendous 2017 premiership triumph.
