Richmond forward Ben Griffiths aiming to become more consistent in 2017

Richmond key forward Ben Griffiths is aiming to become more consistent in 2017, as he looks to take his game to the next level.

Griffiths has managed only 42 goals in 61 games with the Tigers in his seven year career, but will need to step up to fill the void left by Ty Vickery, who joined Hawthorn during last year's free agency period.

“The ongoing thing for me is consistency – it’s something I’ll always be working on and it’s something I really want to get better,” Griffiths told the club's website.

“Lessen the gap between my good games and my bad games - that’s what I’m working towards.”

The 25-year-old played 13 games in 2016, before a groin injury cut short his season, forcing him to undergo surgery to rectify the issue.

“I’m tracking really well and I’m really optimistic about getting back into the main group and the full ground stuff pretty soon,” he said.

Griffiths said the return of former Brisbane coach Justin Leppitsch, who is now the new forwards coach, has already had a great impact on the playing group.

“He’s created an environment where everyone is encouraged to speak up and it’s a really educating environment,” he said.

“It’s been really good to have that little bit of change and from his experiences as a head coach, he’s got some really good learning tools and he’s been super for the younger guys.”