AFL: Shaun Grigg is thriving in Tigerland

SHAUN Grigg says he is enjoying his best AFL football in the yellow-and-black.Grigg has built a consistent role through the Richmond midfield, since requesting a transfer from Carlton in trade week last October.The Tigers are stirring this season and the 23-year-old from Ballarat said he was “loving it”.Grigg has been focused on improving his football, in whatever role coach Damien Hardwick demanded.A smooth transition and fresh start helped.The results are starting to show.Grigg has been averaging 24 disposals this season, including a match high of 30 possessions against Collingwood, developing into an onfield leader in an emerging Tiger outfield.“Consistency is the one thing I’ve been aiming for since the start,” Grigg said.“I just want to be consistent and play my role for the team – sometimes that might be blocking players and next week it might be my turn to get my hands on the pill.“We’re definitely a young team – but that’s no excuse.“As soon as you put on the Richmond Football Club guernsey, a bloke’s age is irrelevant.“You’re another soldier for the Tiger army.”Grigg played down talk the Tigers would finish in the eight this season, saying it was something a playing group always aimed to reach.But, in an even competition, the Tigers approached one week at a time with the belief the scoreboard would take care of itself.The Tiger faithful have still begun to rally in full voice this season with Richmond on the rise, especially after a 16-point win against top-four team Essendon on Saturday night.Arriving from Carlton, Grigg is no stranger to blockbuster crowds but he said there was still something special about an 83,000-strong crowd for the Dreamtime at the ‘G clash.Grigg said the build-up to the game was unique but once he was on the field, it was all about the game.Having the backing of Richmond supporters was also something he has enjoyed getting used to hearing, too.“They are very passionate supporters,” Grigg said.“People don’t always realise just how many there are out there.“Now we’re winning more games, there’s heaps coming out of the woodwork.”Grigg said he loves belting out the Richmond song after a win, partly because it’s the same theme he sang through his junior football at Redan.The Lions have always been good supporters of his career, Grigg said, and he tried to keep track of their progress in the Ballarat Football League.Grigg also sponsors Sam Giblett and hoped to see the defender back in the Redan seniors soon.The Tigers’ campaign continues in Darwin on Saturday night against Port Adelaide.