I think its time to secure our important players when right, giving them a boost in confidence!

Mr Magic

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In that vein, happy to suggest we should give Ben Griffiths an extension IMO.

I think he only got a one year extension for this year atm.

From the vision I have seen, I am happy with his progression and development in terms of how he is moving on the ground now, looking on as a Richmond supporter, impacting the game and demonstrating attributes, which suggest to me, with confidence, he can be a mutually valuable player for us and himself into the future at RFC if he continues to apply himself.

In that vein I think it is appropriate to give Ben a 2 year extension atm after this year plus a sweetner for recognition of his development and potential component for upside performance. Possible performance component would be appropriate.

I think Ben is one of our best prospects in terms of forward/goal scoring impact and ruck relief as well as overall game impact. The fact he can assist around the ground and pinch hit defense is a bonus with his flexibility and mobility.

As a distant observer time to let him know we love him, sign him up!!!!:thumbsu:

I think he deserves the recognition!!:cool:
 
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Mr Magic

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I'm not sure handing out big contract extensions after 2 pre-season games is really justified.

Who said anything about big contract extensions???

Who is getting big contract extensions?? Not sure anyone deserves a big contract extension particularly after Dusty's commitment!!


I looked at Dimma's press conference and to me when he talks about some like Griffiths as lessor lights IMO Dimma is still on a learning curve about team development to a degree and where players are at at various ages given body sizes and issues. What surprised me is Dimma looked a bit surprised! You have to give the kids room to grow, develop, when their bodies allow it, so they can progress in a healthy way, and we progress as a healthy sustainable club!


So glad it looks like Griffiths may do a Rance and not become a Schultz!!!:thumbsu:

Astbury is showing more poise to and I hope Elton gets encouraged to!!!:thumbsu:

A lot talk has been about recruiting this and that, but history tells most clubs our future is in our youth.

Big tick for our development area in terms of Griffiths , Astbury and possibly Elton.


Now we are starting to behave like a proper healthy club.

When you get guys developing well together that is when we as a club are really getting our act together!!!:thumbsu:


At the end of the day , comes down to knowing what to look for, and rewarding accordingly as appropriate in terms of timing of extensions. I believe Griffiths can play effectively in the real deal , not just practice matches. I think Griffiths looks like he has made the effort and thats what counts!!

Certainly, Griffiths is not out of place with his peers on the field anyway!! That is one thing for sure!!
 
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Mr Magic

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I think when some talk of contract extensions they lose the plot!!

Contracts like Tippet and NN are madness and very bad for club culture and success unless you are at King Carey level and even then it can go pear shaped as we have seen!!!

Sometimes I get the feeling some are not as grounded as they should be and get caught up in bling!!
 
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Mr Magic

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well I was ready to offer Vlas a contract extension after 2 games,

The difference is Vlas was on an automatic 2 year deal from the draft and we were still learning about him. Griffiths is older and more developed. Really Griffiths being giving another year effectively was put on jury watch. I think he has earn't a reprieve and injury and other circumstances probably played a part. BTW, I am sure Vlas has got a contract extension by now otherwise WTF?

TBH it makes more sense to me giving Griffiths and extension now than giving TV, Houli and Morris extensions!!! Sends a good message to guys still trying to make particularly our youngsters. Doesn't mean Griffiths has made it yet , but we believe in Griffiths, and don't mind getting right behind him without going overboard!


Just because a player gets a contract extension doesn't mean they demand a big jump in pay or even a jump in pay. Footy is a competitive industry. It isn't a socialist environment where you pay increases with LS or whatever as you play more years. You have to earn your rewards in a competitive environment!


TBH Griffiths deserves an extension and if he earns an upgrade later so be it, but just because he may get an extension doesn't mean he earns an upgrade. Thats why contracts have performance clauses!!

I think it is important we encourage our youngsters when appropriate at the right time when they put in the effort.

Having a look at the first NAB match v Melbourne atm, McBean and McIntosh going a bit better than I thought on first look, McBean still needs to fully develop into his body though yet IMO
 

johnno77

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A bit premature but the premise is fairly sound. My only adjustments to your idea would be to offer an extension after Rd 5-6 if he continued to improve and show some consistency. If he did, a one year extension wont be enough. Other clubs will start lining up meetings with his manager. This guy is over 4 years younger than Kurt Tippett who's had more injuries and less opportunities. It was only 3-4 years ago that Tippett started putting some consistency together when before he would that he would kick 5 one week and go missing for the next 4 weeks. He's the same type of physical speciman as Tippett but a much better kick. If he gets some genuine confidence, look out.

Let's hope he keeps up his pre-season form and builds on it.

Would much rather offer him a 2 year deal than Jesse White.......or Quentin Lynch......
 
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TerraTiger

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#9
I hear the logic with this Griffiths contract extension (stability, certainty for him....), however the strategy I'd be looking at is, in Ben's case, keep him as eager as possible. As much as his body has failed him, in the past seemed so laconic and lacking urgency on the field. Seems like Choco is working on that. While his self belief may benefit a little from a contract extension, nothing like playing for your life and having some little wins to build it. Thus far that plan seems to be working in NAB cup, with Maric out he has an op to show more. Contract extension at this stage? Just don't think we need to. By mid year? Let's hope it is near the top of Dan Richo's priorities.
 

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#10
I like your thinking MT though I tend to agree with others that its a bit premature. If he is playing well after 4-5 games, I'd definitely offer him a new deal.

I for one am very excited by his (and Astbury's) preseason but as much as I'm excited, we need to remember it's still only preseason. Let's see how they go in the real stuff and if they can build on their preseason form.
 
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