SHAUN Grigg's fledgling AFL career didn'tget off to the best of starts, an early-season shoulder injury ruining the beginningof the former North Ballarat Rebel's first season with Carlton.
Fortunately, the injury, and subsequentoperation, didn't wipe out Grigg's entire season, the Blues youngstereventually making his AFL debut against Melbournein round 14.
"I was lucky enough to debut half waythrough the season," says Grigg.
"Just to debut was a pretty big thrill;to get a few more games under the belt has been a bonus."
Grigg, who captained Country Victoria andwas selected in the All-Australian side in the NAB Under 18 Championships lastyear was snapped up by Carltonwith selection 19 in last year's draft.
He attributes his 2006 success to the facthe was overlooked in the 2005 draft the year before.
"When I look back on it now, it turnedout to be a bit of a reality check in terms of what you need to do in order toget drafted."
"It made me realise that you shouldput in the hard yards as it is a lit more rewarding when you achieve something,"he said.
"I went straight back into trainingand I put some plans into place regarding fitness and skills, and it paid offthe following year."
Since debuting against the Demons, Grigghas played another three games, his best performance coming against PortAdelaide in round 19 when he collected 14 possessions and took five marks.
With one game left in the season Grigg sayshe and his teammates are keen to get a win on the board and reward their newcoach, Brett Ratten, who he believes has jelled the team and the club togethersince taking over.
"He [Ratten] has bought a lot ofhistory back into the club which has motivated all the boys.
"He is Carlton through and through and I suppose allthe boys just want to show him we are on what path as well," said Grigg
BLUEROOM
Whatare your thoughts on the horse flu?
I have never lived in Melbourne, so I was planning to go to a fewof the race meets during this year's Spring Carnival. Hopefully everything getscleared up.
Whichcontest would you have the best chance of winning, Australian Idol or So YouThink You Can Dance?
AustralianIdol.
Why?
I learned my dancing skills off myhousemate Michael Jamison, so they aren't too good.
Areyou into recycling or water saving?
I bang on the bathroom door every time my other housemateSam Jacobs goes for a shower. He is always in there way too long.
Otherthan football, what are you good at?
My cooking skills are first class!
