Career: 2007-2010
Debut: Round 14, 2007 vs Melbourne, aged 19 years, 80 days
Carlton Player No. 1 104
Games: 43
Goals: 10
Last game: Round 22, 2010 v Fremantle, aged 22 years, 130 days
Guernsey No. 16
Height: 190cm
Weight: 85kg
DOB: 19 April, 1988
Rising Star Nomination: Round 19, 2008
Grigg was selected at #19 with Carlton's first selection in the second round of the 2006 Draft, from North Ballarat Rebels U/18's. Grigg, a left footed midfielder/defender, had an excellent year at club and representative level in 2006. He represented Vic Country in the U/18 National Championships and was named on a wing in the U/18 All-Australian team. He showed outstanding pace at the NAB AFL Draft Camp where he recorded a time of 2.92sec for the 20m sprint. Grigg was originally from Redan F.C.
With 3 debutants playing in Round 1, hopes grew that the Blues would blood as many youngsters as they could in 2007. Grigg showed early promise in the Bullants, but damaged his shoulder on the cusp of selection. He would return mid-year, and after 3 solid if not impressive games in the VFL, Grigg was selected for his debut in the Round 14 clash against the Demons. Grigg would earn 6 possessions, but lose his place in the team for the following week. Grigg returned for Rounds 18 and 19, gathering 14 possessions in the latter, before pulling out of the Round 20 clash with knee soreness. He returned the next week as a late inclusion for Ryan Houlihan and picked up 11 disposals. In Round 22, he racked up a career-high 19 disposals against the Demons and set himself up for a big 2008.
Shaun had a massive pre-season in the gym for season 2008 and managed to put on 7kg. He enjoyed his first victory in the Navy Blue against arch-rival Collingwood in Round 4. He was given the tough assignment of shutting down Collingwood half-back Heath Shaw and did a wonderful job. He also managed to kick the first goal of his AFL career with a 40 metre dribble from a tight angle.
After playing in 15 of the first 17 rounds, Grigg showed enough to be given a 2-year contract extension which would see him remain at the club until the end of the 2010 season.
Grigg confirmed his worth in the following week's match against Adelaide when he held triple best and fairest winner and Crows captain Simon Goodwin to a paltry 10 disposals while gathering 15 himself. In the following week's victory over Port Adelaide, Grigg played his best game yet. He gathered 25 disposals, had 7 inside 50s, 2 assists and a goal to win the Round 19 Rising Star Nomination. He continued his good form into the record come-from-behind win over Brisbane in Round 21 when he had 21 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 5 clearances and a goal assist.
Grigg's outstanding improvement throughout 2008 earned him the Past Players Encouragement Award and showed Carlton fans glimpses of the potential that could one day see him develop into a key midfielder for the Blues.
Shaun only managed 10 games in 2009 and 8 games in 2010. He requested a trade to Richmond at the end of 2010 and was exchanged for Andrew Collins.
Many years later, Grigg remains a Richmond Premiership player and 200 game + player..... quite an achievement for the young man. Grigg would retire during the 2019 season due to injuries after playing 171 games and kicking 86 goals for the Tigers. In total Grigg would play 214 AFL games and kick 96 games during his career with the Blues and then the Tigers. Grigg extended his career in the AFL by signing on as a development coach at Geelong at the end of the 2019 season.
Career Highlights
2008 Rising Star Nomination: Round 19, 20082008 Past Players Encouragement Award