Jonathon Griffin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jonathon Griffin
Griffin playing with Fremantle in 2015
Personal information
Full name	Jonathon Griffin
Date of birth	(1986-01-14) 14 January 1986 (age 39)
Place of birth	Western Australia
Original team	Karoonda JFC
Draft	No. 21, 2005 rookie draft
Position(s)	Ruckman
Career highlights
Central District premiership side 2007 premiership side 2016

Jonathon Griffin (born January 14, 1986) is a former professional Australian rules football player. He played for two teams in the Australian Football League (AFL): the Adelaide Football Club and the Fremantle Football Club. Jonathon was a ruckman, a special position in Australian rules football.

He started his journey in Western Australia. He played for the team in the West Australian Football League (WAFL). The Adelaide Football Club then chose him in the 2005 Rookie draft. He joined their main team for the 2007 season. Jonathon played 41 games for Adelaide. Later, he moved to Fremantle during the 2010–11 trading period.

Jonathon Griffin's Football Journey

Griffin (#12) competing in a ruck contest in March 2016

Jonathon Griffin was born in Bunbury, Western Australia. When he was 10, his family moved to Perth. He went to Booragoon Primary School and Applecross Senior High School. He played junior football for Karoonda JFC.

Starting His AFL Career

Adelaide drafted Jonathon from East Fremantle in the WAFL. This happened in the 2005 Rookie draft. He spent 2005 on the rookie list. For the 2006 season, he moved to the main team. However, he mostly played for Central District Bulldogs reserves that year.

Jonathon got his chance to play in the AFL in 2007. This was because other ruckmen were injured or had left. Even though he was chosen as a forward, he had to play as a ruckman. Some people thought he was too thin for the role. But Jonathon played well for the first 13 games of 2007.

Playing for Adelaide

In the 2008 AFL season, Jonathon started strong. He played well against top ruckmen from other teams. These included players from the Western Bulldogs and West Coast Eagles. In the 2009 season, he played only two games for Adelaide. Other players were chosen ahead of him for the ruck position.

Indigenous All-Stars Team

Jonathon Griffin has Noongar heritage. His family comes from the Bibbulman people in south-western Australia. Because of this, he was chosen for the Indigenous All-Stars team in 2009. This team celebrates Indigenous Australian football talent.

Moving to Fremantle

After returning to Western Australia, Jonathon became a backup ruckman for Fremantle. He competed with Zac Clarke and Aaron Sandilands. Jonathon played his first game for Fremantle in 2011. This happened when Sandilands was injured.

He had a fantastic game against Gold Coast in round 15. He got 26 disposals, 9 marks, and 30 hit-outs. He also kicked 2 goals in that game. In the 2013 season, he played the first seven games. Then, he injured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee. This injury meant he missed the rest of the season.

He started playing again in April 2014. He played for Fremantle's affiliate team in the WAFL, . Jonathon was part of Peel's first WAFL premiership win in 2016. However, he missed the 2017 Grand Final due to another knee injury.

Fremantle decided not to keep Jonathon after the 2017 season.

Later Career and Retirement

After leaving Fremantle, Jonathon went back to the WAFL in 2018. He signed a two-year deal with East Fremantle. He was even named captain of the team.

After three seasons with East Fremantle, Jonathon Griffin announced his retirement. He finished his football career at the end of the 2020 season.

Career Statistics Summary

Jonathon Griffin played a total of 97 AFL games. He kicked 36 goals during his career. He was known for his work as a ruckman, helping his team win possessions.

More About Jonathon Griffin

• List of AFL debuts in 2007
• List of Adelaide Football Club players
• List of Fremantle Football Club players