In form Western Bulldog Ryan Griffen is growing into an important leader both on and off the field, teammate Daniel Giansiracusa says.

Griffen was in scintillating form against Port Adelaide in Darwin, racking up 40 possessions —  the first player in 2013 to do so.

But Giansiracusa was just as impressed with the South Australian’s growing leadership and touted him as a future captain of the Club.

“He’s come a long way with his leadership this year and really stepped up,” Giansiracusa told Triple M.

“People in the public don’t really see what he does around the footy club.

“He’s not one that does say too much, not overly vocal, but what he does on the field and the way he trains and takes his teammates with him – he’s very inspiring.

“I definitely think you could talk about him filling that role once Boydy wants to give it up.”

Giansiracusa also showed concern for fellow Bulldog Tom Williams’ shoulder injury, which saw him substituted out during the second quarter.

Williams injured his shoulder in a marking contest in just his second game since round 18, 2012.

“It’s shattering for not only him but for his teammates and the footy club,” he said

“He is a well-respected guy around the footy club, well liked - we just hope he can get a clear run at it.

“He will have scans early in the week and we will go from there but he has got the full support of the footy club and the playing list and we just hope he can come through it ok.”