Ryan Griffen for a long time let his actions do the talking, but the new Western Bulldogs captain’s emergence on the field has helped him discover his voice as a leader of the pack.

Unveiled as the captain ahead of season 2014, the midfielder had a taste of the role last season leading the Club in eight games in Matthew Boyd’s absence.

Watching the 27-year-old’s transformation from the sidelines, Senior Coach Brendan McCartney has seen the All-Australian midfielder grow in confidence as a leader and begin to thrive with the added responsibility.  

“He’s grown into it. I think mentally he has accepted the responsibility more too and made a conscious decision that at this stage in his life - with more than two thirds of the team younger than him and less experienced - he needs to add that to his game,” McCartney said.

“We felt it made him a better player, it made him a more dynamic player and a more competitive player and his game went to the next level and full credit to him.”

Entering the AFL system as a self-confessed “clueless kid”, Griffen’s burning desire to get the best out of himself and give back to the Club hashelped him realise his leadership potential.

“I think just maturity, over the first few years it was more about getting my footy right,” Griffen said.

“Over the last couple of years I think I have really matured into the role and I feel a lot more comfortable around the group so that really does help.”

Former Captain Matthew Boyd identified Griffen as his successor and with the support of McCartney the 27-year-old was handed the honour.

“At the end of last year I sat down with Boydy and he said to me that he was ready to hand it over,” he said.

“I had a chat to Macca and he said he believes in my leadership style and it all went from there.”

Congratulate Ryan Griffen on receiving the captaincy at Christmas Open Training, including a signing session on Wednesday 11 December 2013, from 3:00-5:00pm. More details shortly on westernbulldogs.com.au