Key Stats:
Guernsey Number: 16
Age: 26
Career Games: 163
Career Goals: 106
Debut: 2005
Season Stats:
Games: 20
Goals: 8
Disposals: 539 (27.0)
Marks: 66 (3.3)
Tackles: 86 (4.3)
Season Overview:
Ryan Griffen established himself as one of the elite midfielders in the competition in his eighth season on the Western Bulldogs list. His composure and outside run was complimented nicely by a more hardened edge - taking on more responsibility around the stoppages and attacking the contest with a new intensity. Breaking the Club record for most disposals in a game (47), against Sydney in round 21, Griffen showed he can out-run and out-muscle a close tag. Griffen also polled the most votes of any Bulldog player at the Brownlow Medal - a career best 11 votes.
By the Numbers:
Ranked sixth in the league for inside 50s, Griffen was the leading Bulldog in that statistical category averaging 5.3 per game. He found three more disposals per match this season (compared to 2011) and was more proficient around the stoppages with one extra clearance each week. Griffen figured prominently at the club in key statistical categories including disposals (second), clearances (third), goal assists (first), tackles (third), goals (ninth), rebound 50s (fourth) and contested possessions (second).
Season Highlight:
Breaking the Club record for disposals, Griffen had 47 touches in round 21 against Sydney Swans in what was an absolute master-class. The 26-year-old finished the day with four marks, eight clearances, eight inside 50s, four rebound 50s, three one percenters and two goal assists.
Watch highlights of Ryan Griffen's career-best 47 disposal performance against Sydney on the media player above.
Pre-Season Focus:
Another full pre-season will enable Griffen to continue as one of the game’s most damaging midfielders in 2013. Now accustomed to Coach Brendan McCartney’s game plan, the midfielder can further develop his contested ball skills and set himself up for another big year.
