Throughout the AFL’s trade period back in 2012, richmondfc.com.au ran a special feature series ranking the top 20 Tiger trade pick-ups of the past 50 years.

In that series, I ranked Shaun Grigg at No. 18, despite the fact he had been at Richmond for just two years after being traded by Carlton, where he’d played 43 games in four seasons.

At the end of the article outlining the significant influence Grigg had already exerted in his brief time at Tigerland, I wrote: “If Grigg can maintain his current form level (or go up another cog), it’s reasonable to assume that when the next list of top Tiger trade pick-ups is compiled, he’ll figure a fair bit higher.”

VIDEO: Grigg on reaching 200 games

Well, just over five and a half years later, and on the eve of his 200^th AFL game, Grigg now ranks significantly higher on that list of top Tiger trade pick-ups.

The hard-running midfielder has been a major contributor in Richmond’s rise to prominence during the past few seasons, culminating in the Club’s drought-breaking premiership last year.

His ability to spread from stoppages, find space, and consistently pump the ball inside the Tigers’ forward-50 area, have made him an important member of the line-up.

Grigg has averaged 22.4 disposals per match over the course of his 156 games with Richmond and he’s had six top-10 finishes in the Club’s Jack Dyer Medal.

Aside from the impressive statistical numbers, however, what’s defined Grigg’s career at Tigerland has been his exemplary selfless attitude.

At all times he’s put the team ahead of any personal gains, as evidenced by the way he embraced his part-time ruck role to provide Toby Nankervis with an important chop-out in Richmond’s 2017 premiership year and the early rounds this season.

And Grigg also is right up there as the smartest footballer within the Tigers’ playing group – a coach in waiting, according to those in the know, if that’s the way he wants to go once he finally hangs the boots up.

Grigg’s popularity among his teammates was well summed up by Richmond superstar Dustin Martin on this week’s edition of the Club’s official podcast, ‘Talking Tigers’.

“He’s a great teammate,” Martin said.

“He certainly makes it better coming into training and, especially, pre-season. Me and ‘Grigga’ aren’t the biggest fans of pre-season, so we get each other through and have a bit of a laugh with it.

“So it’s very good to have him at the Club, and he’s a good friend.”