By
Sarah Browne
Article
reproduced from the AFL Canberra Record, round 17, 2010.
Versatile
Ainslie player Jesse Griffin seems to have cemented his spot in the seniors
with an impressive performance against Queanbeyan on the weekend. Ainslie overcame a strong Queanbeyan effort
to run away 26 points victors at Ainslie Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Griffin, who has been at
the club since 2004, was one of the best on ground for Ainslie in a strong performance
for Ainslie with only two rounds remaining in the regular season. Griffin
has had an inconsistent season in 2010, but seems to have found his feet at the
business end of the competition.
Coach
Chris Rourke said he was happy Jesse’s form had picked up in the past couple of
weeks.
“Jesse
started the season well, then his form fell away and he went back to Division
2, played very well and is now playing good footy in the seniors again.”
“Jesse’s
versatility and enthusiasm will be very important during the final series.”
When Griffin arrived at Ainslie Oval four years ago he was
playing juniors and commuting back and forth from Batemans Bay.
He was very successful at junior level winning a number of best and fairest
awards.
Griffin now lives permanently in Canberra to study and continue playing for
Ainslie, working towards keeping his place in the senior side.
Rourke
said Griffin
has truly settled in at the club. “Jesse or “noodle” as he is known is very
popular with his team mates, he was fairly shy when he first played seniors but
he has certainly come out of his shell since then.”
“He
is a quality kid who comes from a very supportive family.”
Griffin will be very
important for Ainslie, who should be considered a good chance in the finals
series.
“Jesse
is a tall mobile player who can play centre half back, centre half forward or
in the ruck.”
“His
biggest strengths are his combination of size, speed, mobility as well he
possesses good skills.”
Ainslie
will be making their second trip to the Sydney Cricket Ground this weekend in
what will be a top of the table clash against Sydney Reserves.
The
match will be a good chance for the Ainslie to prove themselves against the
best in the run down to the finals.