Griffiths crashes packs like a big forward.
Griffiths like to jump up to spoil or mark like a big forward.
Griffiths can roost it from outside 50 with ease like a big forward.
Griffiths is quick off the mark and can lead like a big forward.
So what do you think the coaches are developing him to be.....
I don't think the "Tiger Faithful" have 'fallen in love' with Griff but more-so have high hopes for him. Griffiths have shown enough promise in my eyes to potentially become a very good CHF for the side. Like all tall timber though he needs to gain size and experience and be allowed to make mistakes along the way. Griff will become less injury prone as he strengthens his body.
As is typical of big key position players who were used to physically dominating as juniors, the first few years is difficult to acclimatise. When he briefly played forward in his first two years, he was pushed out of position during marking contests by bigger defenders much the same as Vickery, Hawkins and now Elton have early. Once he can compete physically, and can no longer be pushed out of position so easily, he will then be able to use his height to take the big grab.
This is also another reason he is playing on the more mobile tall forwards as a defender because -
1) learn their running patterns and what he finds difficult to defend against
2) he can use his height and speed to spoil from behind rather than get into wrestling duels closer to goal
and
3) he can use his great hoof to break open opposition zones from kick outs.
Whether he goes forward or remains back when depend on our needs as a side but I find always find it difficult to question a players value at such an early age. The fact that he is getting games states that the coaches rate him and believe his his potential. I think we should afford him the same luxury.