I watched Eastern Vs Geelong in the TAC today and just thought I would mention Ben Griffiths who kicked 4 goals today and looked really impressive, he is a big unit at around 197cm and he should be at least in consideration for our second pick.

He has been off the radar for a top ten pick due to his injuries and those who saw him at the U/18 champs wouldn't of been impressed but he seems to just be gaining in confidence every week and could be set for a breakout finals series.

I watched Eastern Vs Geelong in the TAC today and just thought I would mention Ben Griffiths who kicked 4 goals today and looked really impressive, he is a big unit at around 197cm and he should be at least in consideration for our second pick.

He has been off the radar for a top ten pick due to his injuries and those who saw him at the U/18 champs wouldn't of been impressed but he seems to just be gaining in confidence every week and could be set for a breakout finals series.

I think you mean 2nd round pick. Our 3rd pick.

Cos as enticing as he seems he will not go in the top 10.

wrote a topic about him last week, played with him in under 18's, very impressive player, was crueled by injury(knee,ankle)

but more likely to pick him up with pick 18.(if we do)

I'd love us to pick him up at 18. 4 goals and amongst the best for Eastern in a great win against the Falcons today.

Some footage:

http://rangesfc.matchvision.com.au/player/ben_griffiths

Edited September 6, 200915 yr by ChaserJ

Apparently we are very keen on taking him at pick 18.

add me to the list who want to pick him up at 18

him, Carlisle, Talia, Panos... Either way we won't walk away disappointed.

Listed at 197cm and 100kgs... not bad size on the young fella

Apparently we are very keen on taking him at pick 18.

says who?

says who?

I've heard this too around the traps but can't remember where. Possibly just a weak rumour, but I think Tim Harrington, Prendergast or Bailey may have mentioned him in passing at one stage.

Actually, I've got a feeling it was Bailey.

I could be making it up though.

I watched Eastern Vs Geelong in the TAC today and just thought I would mention Ben Griffiths who kicked 4 goals today and looked really impressive, he is a big unit at around 197cm and he should be at least in consideration for our second pick.

He has been off the radar for a top ten pick due to his injuries and those who saw him at the U/18 champs wouldn't of been impressed but he seems to just be gaining in confidence every week and could be set for a breakout finals series.

Melon, do you think his history of injuries might weigh against him being selected by Melbourne?

Melon, do you think his history of injuries might weigh against him being selected by Melbourne?

I don't think it will, I think the worry is that he might not of gotton over his knee but I think the last few weeks have proved his has his spring and zip back. Saying that you would like to know about his past injuries to see if he was just unlucky or he has a body type that is injury prone.

says who?

a friend of mine who knows someone working in the inner sanctum of the club.

Edited September 7, 200915 yr by Demon Disciple

Apparently we are very keen on taking him at pick 18.

Well that goes a long way to the Trengove/Butcher debate if true.

Well that goes a long way to the Trengove/Butcher debate if true.

Sure does. Like you say, only if true. I like Carlisle too.

I'm a massive Ben Griffiths fan - but there is ABSOLUTELY no way he will be picked in the Top #10 - let alone at Pick #2.

He's Scott Gumbleton MKII given that he seems to injure himself getting out of his car.

Does anyone remember Barry P saying last year that he had a line through some players due to serious queries about their longetivity in the game e.g. Swift and Trengove?

I actually think we can take a risk on a an injury prone player this year at 18. Our list is just about there.

I'm a massive Ben Griffiths fan - but there is ABSOLUTELY no way he will be picked in the Top #10 - let alone at Pick #2.

He's Scott Gumbleton MKII given that he seems to injure himself getting out of his car.

What sort of injuries has Griffiths had in the past and how long have they kept him out of football?

What sort of injuries has Griffiths had in the past and how long have they kept him out of football?

Did you notice that Paul Wheatley was in the coaches box for Eastern Ranges. The same team that both Prendergast and Connolly coached at before. Wheaters has been with Eastern Ranges for all of this year when available to assist them. So surely he would have a very good knowledge to pass on re Griffiths. Don't you think?

What sort of injuries has Griffiths had in the past and how long have they kept him out of football?

He's missed a fair bit - I don't have a certain figure, but I'd estimate it to be around 40% of his games.

Regarding where the injuries were .. you name it: left ankle, right ankle, shoulder and lower back.

Did you notice that Paul Wheatley was in the coaches box for Eastern Ranges. The same team that both Prendergast and Connolly coached at before. Wheaters has been with Eastern Ranges for all of this year when available to assist them. So surely he would have a very good knowledge to pass on re Griffiths. Don't you think?

He would.

Griffiths clearly has the talent - a big body, good height, can take marks.

If I had to compare his gameplay to anyone in the AFL - he would be a more agile Justin Koschitzke (and that is in no way a reference to his injury proneness).

Got a feeling we're an absolute monty to take Griffiths if he's still around at 18...

do we tell him to take it easy and put in a few average performances for the finals now..?

Take draft camp at half-pace?

I damn well hope so.

Injuries don't worry me, despite me knowing nothing about them.

Hasn't stopped Judd or Joel Selwood

Edited September 9, 200915 yr by Enforcer25

Got a feeling we're an absolute monty to take Griffiths if he's still around at 18...

do we tell him to take it easy and put in a few average performances for the finals now..?

Take draft camp at half-pace?

I damn well hope so.

Injuries don't worry, despite me knowing nothing about them.

Hasn't stopped Judd or Joel Selwood

But they've stopped Scott Gumbleton/Mitch Thorp?

Either way its a risk - would be fantastic if it paid off.

But they've stopped Scott Gumbleton/Mitch Thorp?

Either way its a risk - would be fantastic if it paid off.

Oh yeah, I know, but for pick 18 I'm happy to roll the dice.

I was just trying to point out some instances where taking the risk paid off.

And that a serious injury before being drafted doesn't preclude a player from having a relatively injury free professional career.

I don't know enough about Gumbleton or Mitch Thorp, but I don't think they had major injuries before the draft that they carried into their professional careers, moreso that they occurred after the event.

In fact, considering this is the last tainted draft I think clubs will be desperate to not take a gamble on players with past injuries, especially with a first pick, so we may just have him land in our laps.

Or even last til round 3... hey, let me dream

Oh yeah, I know, but for pick 18 I'm happy to roll the dice.

I was just trying to point out some instances where taking the risk paid off.

And that a serious injury before being drafted doesn't preclude a player from having a relatively injury free professional career.

I don't know enough about Gumbleton or Mitch Thorp, but I don't think they had major injuries before the draft that they carried into their professional careers, moreso that they occurred after the event.

In fact, considering this is the last tainted draft I think clubs will be desperate to not take a gamble on players with past injuries, especially with a first pick, so we may just have him land in our laps.

Or even last til round 3... hey, let me dream

Very good points Enforcer25, however consider a player like Joel Selwood. Would we all like him right now. Futhermore,their are not too many quality talls .I rate Ben Griffiths as a quality big young man. Someone whom can take a contested mark, break packs and is extremely good with hands and feet. V