Ryan Griffen Becomes a GIANT
Western Bulldogs captain and All-Australian midfielder Ryan Griffen will become a GIANT after a trade deal between the clubs today.
The GIANTS will receive Griffen as well as pick six in next month’s NAB AFL Draft in exchange for Tom Boyd.
The deal will be lodged with the AFL and Griffen will become a GIANT for the next four years.
GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews said the club had changed its position and decided to trade Boyd after reviewing a number of factors.
“First, the Bulldogs have made a revised and attractive offer which now includes their first draft pick (six), an elite player in Ryan Griffen and salary cap assistance in relation to his contract.
“Second, our coach Leon Cameron has consulted the leadership group and they have agreed they want a united and loyal playing group heading into an important season in 2015.
“Third, as a club we are proud to represent Western Sydney and Canberra and it’s critical that our players share that value. Clearly Tom doesn’t and the best course of action is for him to leave the club.
“We believe this is an excellent trade in the best interests of the club and gives us the best possible chance of achieving success in the coming seasons.
"It significantly strengthens our playing list and gives us picks 4, 6 and 7 in next month's draft which can also be traded.
"We are delighted to have Ryan Griffen at the club. He is not only a great talent but a person with strong values and brings more experience and maturity to the list."
Griffen, 28, has played 202 games for the Bulldogs after making his debut in 2005. He is a dual best and fairest winner and was All-Australian in 2013.
Tom Boyd, 19, played nine games for the GIANTS in 2014.