Ryan Griffen: Ex Bulldogs, GWS player joins Myrtleford

With Ryan Griffen, another big name signs into the O&M for the upcoming season. Here’s where he’ll be playing.

Myrtleford has topped up an already talented list with the signing of former Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney star Ryan Griffen on the eve of the Ovens and Murray league season.

Griffen last played at AFL level in 2018, adding 55 matches with GWS to the 202 games he played for the Bulldogs after making his debut in 2005.

He stunned the AFL at the end of the 2014 season when he requested a trade to GWS from the Bulldogs while he was the club’s captain.

The 35-year-old dual Bulldogs best and fairest winner will reunite with a former GWS teammate, Dawson Simpson, at Myrtleford.

Simpson co-coaches the O and M club with Jake Sharp, who is coming off a knee reconstruction and will make a delayed start to 2022.

Myrtleford president Ian Wales confirmed the major signing.

“He will be an outstanding acquisition to our club,” Wales said.

“Clearly the connection with Dawson has opened the door to us gaining his services.

“We think he will be the icing on the cake of what we’ve added to our list since last year.”

Griffen is not expected to play the first month of the season as he builds fitness for his comeback with the Saints.

Former AFL star Ryan Griffen, centre, returned to his original club Goolwa-Port Elliot in 2019 to play with his brothers Travis, left and Trent, right. Picture: AAP/Brenton Edwards

He signed to play for his original club, Goolwa-Port Elliott, upon his retirement from the top level and played alongside his brothers Trent and Travis in 2019.

His four-year absence from the AFL will translate into a major player points discount for Myrtleford compared to a player coming straight from the elite level to a country club who carries a maximum six point allocation.

The Saints will seek clarification on his exact status, but don’t expect him to be more than a three point player.

Myrtleford has been highly active in the off-season with the signings of 2019 Lavington premiership coach Simon Curtis, Goulburn Valley league Morrison Medal winner Sam Martyn and his former Benalla teammate Nick Warnock.

Myrtleford finished third in 2019 and was well positioned for a shot at the 2020 premiership before the onset of Covid-19.

The Saints play Wangaratta Rovers at home in the season opener on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Rovers have added former Richmond and Port Adelaide player Chris Naish to their coaching ranks this season.

Naish has come on board as an assistant to senior coach Daryn Cresswell, who has been in charge since 2019 after previously coaching O and M rival Wodonga Raiders.