Shaun Grigg aims to hurt sides with left footJon Ralph
Herald Sun
November 12, 2010 NEW Richmond midfielder Shaun Grigg plans to hurt opposition sides with his left foot after constant criticism of his disposal at Carlton.
The Blues swapped Grigg for Tiger forward Andrew Collins during trade week and he is already feeling at home at Punt Rd.
Speaking for the first time about his move to Richmond, Grigg said he was desperate for more opportunities after waiting until Round 14 to crack Carlton's side this year.
Known as a tough inside player whose ability to win the hard ball compensates for his lack of polish, the 22-year-old is keen to make his left foot a weapon.
"I focused in the second half of the year on score assists, and that is one of the things I keep an eye out for, so definitely going inside 50 I want to be able to hurt teams," he told the Herald Sun.
"I don't really worry about what other people have to say. I am working hard at training and want to give the Tigers midfielders a chop out, whether it's inside or outside on the wing. If the coach wants me to pinch-hit in the backline or whatever, I will do what he wants."
In his four years at Carlton, he had only one season - 2008 - in which he played more than 10 games.
He played the last seven home-and-away games last season before missing the Blues' elimination final defeat by Sydney with a calf injury, but by then he knew it was time to head elsewhere.
"I wanted to play consistent senior footy, so I sought out what my options were, and once I sat down with Damian (Hardwick) it was pretty clear Richmond was the team I wanted to play for.
"Carlton are a good team and I hold no grudges with anyone at the Blues. I was happy for them to pick me up four years ago."
The deal done, Grigg escaped to Asia to allow the decision to sink in.
"I went over to Thailand and Fiji and got away from it all after the trade. I didn't take my phone away, and it was good just to clear my head and refresh," he said.
"Changing clubs is pretty hard. You don't understand how hard until you go through it. But now it's all done and I am ready to go."
He is likely to be joined by Brad Miller, who has quit Melbourne and is training with Richmond, and former Essendon midfielder Bachar Houli.
"The Tigers have lost a bit of experience in the last few years, so if we can pick him (Miller) up on the rookie list he will be a good mature body," Grigg said.
"If we can get Bachar in the pre-season draft he will add to the midfield depth as well."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/shaun-grigg-aims-to-hurt-sides-with-left-foot/story-e6frf9jf-1225952398814
