The Bulldogs have decided to decrease Griffen's training load after he pulled up sore ahead of Sunday's session, although the club is confident its new skipper will be available at some point during the NAB Challenge series.

 

Indeed, the Bulldogs were quick to assure fans Griffen would be a certain starter in round one.

 

"There's nothing serious to worry about … we're sure he'll be right at some point during the NAB [Challenge]," teammate Matthew Boyd said at the club's Family Day on Sunday.

 

"Without a doubt, round one of the home and away season – there's no issues there. We'll wait and see how he settles down."

 

Griffen was appointed as captain in December after Boyd decided to step aside so the club could usher in a new group of leaders.

 

Boyd said Griffen was relishing his opportunity to lead the club.

 

"He's been terrific. He's taken to it really well and he's very comfortable (in the role)," he said.

 

"Over the last two or three years he's really grown as a leader and I think he'll slot into his role nicely."

 

In positive news for the Bulldogs, midfielder Shaun Higgins returned to full training for the first time since fracturing the navicular bone in his left foot last April.

 

"He was here at 7 o'clock in his full training kit, so he was ready to go," Boyd said.

 

"It's been a long delay for him to get back on the track. All the boys got a lift out of seeing Shaun out there, he's such a great guy to have around the footy club."

 

However, Boyd said he was still unsure whether Higgins would be available for the NAB Challenge series or the the club's opening round clash against West Coast on March 23.