Richmond utility Shaun Grigg has called time on his AFL career, paving the way for the Tigers to add to their list in the mid-season draft.
Richmond premiership utility Shaun Grigg has announced his immediate AFL retirement, paving the way for the injury-hit Tigers to add to their list through the mid-season draft.
Grigg played a key role in the Tigers’ 2017 flag triumph as a midfielder who also battled in the ruck at times despite standing at just 190cm.
But knee and hip issues have prevented the 31-year-old from playing this season.
The Tigers have been decimated by injuries this season with Toby Nankervis and Jack Ross the latest additions to a casualty list that already includes stars Trent Cotchin (hamstring), Alex Rance (knee) and Jack Riewoldt (knee).
Nankervis (groin) and Ross (ankle) were hurt during Sunday’s win over Fremantle in Perth and both face lengthy stints on the sidelines.
Clubs can only add to their list mid-season to fill vacancies created by players retiring or being added to the long-term injury list.
Rance, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament in round one, would be an obvious candidate to go on the long-term list but the Tigers haven’t given up on the five-time All Australian defender making a stunning late-season return.
Grigg made 214 AFL appearances – 43 of those for Carlton – and played in every game of the Tigers’ premiership campaign.
“It’s been amazing to play 13 seasons of league football with two great clubs,” he said.
“I’ve loved my football journey, and feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to play this great game.
“Although it’s difficult to make the decision to call time on my own career, it may give the club a chance to provide someone else an opportunity.”
Tigers football boss Neil Balme said Grigg had been a valuable contributor on and off the field.
“We’ve loved the way he’s gone about his football – always bringing a team-first attitude to the roles we’ve asked him to play,” Balme said.
“He brings a lot of fun to the club, and has built great connections to his teammates, staff and coaches, and we will miss him.”
Tonka Goldman
Roar Rookie
Geelong plays a style of game designed to limit injuries. They used to call it handbags, now everyone does it. Or tries to. Remember Kennett said it was his club's superiority over us... but we are on top of the ladder, with our own ground and they are now sharing the MCG and are out of the 8. Sometimes it does cost us games, and it certainly costs us percentage. Geelong plays in fits and starts and often the team suddenly turns defensive out of the blue for what seems to be for practice. We rely heavily on our fitness to prevail in the 4th quarter. Interesting point about balancing out though, you are right that its in the lap of the Gods to a large extent but the Suns injury list is insane right now. Double ours. That can't be luck.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Tigers had a dream injury run for a couple of years Tonka. It tends to always balance out in the end.
J.T. Delacroix
Guest
The Yarran debacle has more to do with Carlton’s dishonesty than anything else. They put him on the market knowing full well of his failings & got away with it. In the end, it didn’t really matter. Richmond are still on track despite the injury toll. Carlton are still firmly in the ‘where are they now?’ category.
Tonka Goldman
Roar Rookie
I'm a Cats member but I feel very sorry for Richmond supporters having so many injuries. Out of all the injury lists, yours is the worst. Hang in there Tiges.
PeteB
Roar Rookie
I was thinking more of that awful period from around 2010 to 2015. Let many good players go at that point. I doubt there’s a club that’s ever managed a list so badly over a five year period.
Cat
Roar Guru
They got a first round pick for Chris Yarren going to Tigerland to play 0 games ... so it's not all one way traffic.
J.T. Delacroix
Guest
I remember the Grigg/Collins straight swap & Robert Walls claiming that Carlton had clearly got the better deal. It was not to be.
PeteB
Roar Rookie
One of the first of many bad trade and draft calls made by Carlton. Straight swap for Andy Collins. Grigg went on to play 171 games for the Tigers while Collins only played 11 games for the Blues.
tibor nagy (big four sticks)
Guest
He was very serviceable, without being a champion. He was a great team player. We all wish him luck in the future. It's a shame he won't be a part of our 2019 premiership team. Carlton's loss was our gain.
Peter Warrington
Guest
to be honest I was shocked he played on. never the best player at richmond but boy did he adapt and toil in 2017, to the betterment of the team. By all accounts one of the genuinely great guys. Hope he finds a great role in life/footy what ever. Well played, Grigga.
RT
Roar Rookie
This is one of the many reasons not to like the mid year draft.