RETIREMENT was never an option for Greater Western Sydney veteran Ryan Griffen, despite what he admits was the hardest season of his career.
Two separate ankle problems limited Griffen to just three games for the Giants in 2017, with his second serious ankle syndesmosis injury coming just as he was ready to return to the field, forcing him to have surgery.
The 31-year-old made a late bid to salvage his season when he lined up in a trial game against Adelaide's reserves side in early September, but realised he was done when he struggled through the second half.
Griffen told AFL.com.au that spending most of the year in rehabilitation was extremely difficult at times, but ending his 241-game career wasn't an option.
"I never really thought about giving it away or sat back and thought I've had enough," he said.
"To go down in round three and then get back and do it again, that was a blow.
"But I had plenty of support around me that kept my chin up, and I always thought I could get back and play some good footy.
"I've been pretty lucky throughout career so I can't really complain."
The former Western Bulldogs captain said looking on as his teammates made it to a second successive preliminary final, only to lose to eventual premiers Richmond at a packed MCG, was terribly disappointing.
"Watching the finals was tough because I love playing in big games, so that was frustrating," he said.
"You're never guaranteed to play finals each year and that's the hardest thing for me because I'm getting older."
Ryan Griffen contemplates his ankle injury against North Melbourne in round three, 2017. Picture: Getty Images
Griffen is still on a modified training program but said he's feeling fresh and ready for next month's pre-season games.
He's unsure what role he'll play in 2018, but with his leg speed and ability to carry the footy, he's open to step in as a replacement for Zac Williams across half back.
The young defender is likely to miss most of the season after having surgery on his ruptured Achilles this week.
"We haven't really spoken about it but if Leon wanted to throw me back there I'd definitely be up for it," Griffen said.
"But I'm happy to play footy anywhere on the field after what happened last year.
"It's so disappointing to have 'Zaccy' go down.
"He's an absolute gun the way he breaks open games, it's hard to replace someone like him but I'm sure we can."
Griffen pointed to 2016 draftees and GWS academy graduates Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming as other potential candidates to step up in Williams' absence.
"Harry is a player that you just want the ball in his hands," he said.
"He's really composed for a young player, he hits targets and he's got his fitness levels really good at the moment.
"Isaac Cumming is going really well too, and then there's Heath Shaw and Brett Deledio who have played half-back before."
