After 10 seasons at the Western Bulldogs, All Australian midfielder Ryan Griffen will be re-united with a number of familiar faces at the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS.
In the GIANTS' short existence, a strong link to Whitten Oval has been developed with five members of the playing and coaching staff starting their careers at the Bulldogs.
Head Coach Leon Cameron, co-captain Callan Ward, veteran Dylan Addison, senior assistant coach Alan McConnell and development coach Sam Reid all began their playing days in the red, white and blue.
Cameron played 172 games for the Bulldogs before finishing his playing career at Richmond. He then returned to the Kennel as an assistant coach from 2004-2010 and is a life member at the Western Bulldogs.
As an assistant coach Cameron looked after the midfield at the Bulldogs, forming a strong relationship with Griffen, who was selected with pick three in the 2004 draft.
“I had a really good relationship with Ryan at the Bulldogs when I was there, I can see what he’s capable of doing as a football player and a person,” Cameron said.
“After spending five or six years with Ryan, I know what sort of lad he is. I know his family really well, I know the friends that he’s built up, I know the character of the guy and he’s a quality kid.”
In his time as a Bulldogs player, Griffen ran out alongside Ward (60 games for the Bulldogs), Addison (88 games) and Reid (10 games).
Ward and Griffen forged a close bond during their time at the Bulldogs and Griffen’s move north has football fans anticipating a dynamic midfield partnership being re-formed in 2015.
“I’ve always loved playing with him, he gives his all, especially on the training track and apart from that I think he’s just a terrific person,” Ward said. “That’s what we’ve been striving for at this football club, and that’s him.”
McConnell rounds out the Bulldogs connection, playing 37 games for Footscray before moving into coaching.
Griffen, a dual Best and Fairest winner, 200 game player and captain at the Bulldogs, said he’s looking forward to continuing his career at the GIANTS.
“I’ve got a really good relationship with Leon and I know Callan Ward and the best fit for me was to come up here and start fresh,” Griffen said.
