WESTERN Bulldogs captain Ryan Griffen is confident that he'll be fit enough to play in two of his club's pre-season matches, despite being grounded by back soreness.
Griffen missed the Dogs' open training session on Sunday, but he expects to be back in full training soon.
"It's nothing to worry about," he told AFL.com.au. "Just a slight niggle.
"I just had Sunday off to lighten the load. I'll be fine in the coming weeks."
The Bulldogs kick off their NAB Challenge campaign against St Kilda at Simonds Stadium in Geelong on Wednesday, February 19.
They host Fremantle at Etihad Stadium a week later, then have a practice match against Carlton at Visy Park on Friday, March 7.
"I'm hoping to play two of those games," Griffen said. "I actually haven't sat down with 'Macca' (Brendan McCartney) to discuss it yet.
"But I'd like to get two games in."
Griffen, who has played 183 games since debuting in 2005, took over the Bulldogs' captaincy from Matthew Boyd late last year.
The 27-year-old is revelling in his new leadership role.
"It's been good," he said. "I think I've fitted into the role quite comfortably.
"I've got a lot of older guys at the footy club that I can lean on, so I've gone to them and asked for their advice and that sort of thing.
"It wasn't something that I thought twice about. It's a huge honour to captain a footy club.
"So I was thrilled when 'Macca' and 'Boydy'(former captain Matthew Boyd) came to me and asked me to take over the role.
"In the pre-season I've gone about my business the way I always do.
"I've tried to lead by example and teach the young guys and develop them as quickly as possible."
