Griffiths on slow path to recovery

RICHMOND is optimistic Ben Griffiths will make a successful comeback from the concussion problems that have threatened his career.

Griffiths, 25, remains out indefinitely after dual setbacks in March and April continued what teammate Jack Riewoldt described as an “extremely scary” history of concussion problems.

But the big man has not given up hope of a return to the playing field and has begun participating in some light contact work at training.

Demons hard nut Angus Brayshaw is also closing on a return from his repeated head knocks and will step up his contact work at training over the next fortnight.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood, St Kilda forward Paddy McCartin and Carlton livewire Jed Lamb must also pass concussion tests this week to play after head knocks at the weekend.

Richmond assistant coach Justin Leppitsch said the Tigers would continue to prioritise Griffiths’ health, but were buoyed by his progress.

“He’s back training now and taking some sort of knocks — obviously not to the head, but to the side and things like that,” Leppitsch said.

Tigers football manager Neil Balme yesterday said there was no concrete timeline for his return. He said the complex nature of the injury meant Richmond was deliberately tight-lipped about his condition.

Griffiths has suffered a string of concussions over the past four years and has not played seniors since suffering a head knock in Round 2.