Griffen was selected by the Bulldogs with their first pick in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft, and was chosen at number three overall.
After overcoming a minor pre-season knee injury, Griffen made his AFL debut in round four against West Coast, where he amassed 12 possessions, took two marks, and kicked two goals. He also performed well against the Hawks in round 11, with 14 disposals, five marks, and one goal.
Most recently, Griffen was a standout performer in the Bulldogs' Darwin clash with the Blues, where his 13 possessions and one goal won him the Rising Star nomination.
Playing mainly across half-back, Griffen has impressed with his consistency and smooth ball-delivering ability since making his debut.
A native South Australian, Griffen gained some valuable experience playing senior football in the SANFL in 2004, and his impressive list of achievements includes captaining the SA side at the 2004 under-18 championships, all-Australian under-18 selection, and inclusion in the 2002 AIS/AFL Academy intake.
Griffen joins a long list of potential champions already nominated for the award, including Kepler Bradley (Ess), Shannon Byrnes (Geel), Brock McLean (Melb), Lance Franklin (Haw), Jason Laycock (Ess), Justin Sherman (Bris), Will Minson (WB), Brett Deledio (Rich), Colin Sylvia (Melbourne), Travis Cloke (Collingwood), and Jed Adcock (Brisbane Lions).
