Chris Greaves would be hard pressed to time his arrival to the Edmonton Eskimos roster any better.
Heading west in a September trade after nearly five seasons with Winnipeg, the durable offensive lineman proved to be a key depth addition in last season’s Grey Cup run.
Even though Greaves found a role as a spot starter along the line during regular season, he saved his best work for the playoffs.
Injuries to Simeon Rottier and backup Andrew Jones allowed Greaves to step in at starting right guard in the West final against Calgary and the Grey Cup game against Ottawa.
He proved to be one of the team’s highest-rated Canadian performers in the championship final.
“Going back to the Grey Cup game, I was just going in there trying to do my job,” said Greaves, who started at guard in the 2011 game against B.C. “I just tried to do what I can to help the team win.
“I was so grateful for the opportunity (with Edmonton) because you never know when you’ll get there again. I was in Winnipeg for five-and-a-half years and got there once. Some guys play their entire careers and never even get a chance to go to the big game. I’m so grateful to get a chance to join a winning organization.”
The coolest part of becoming a Grey Cup winner may have been the fact it was held in Winnipeg, a place where Greaves started his CFL career and had been his home field less than three months earlier.
“It’s crazy how that worked,” said Greaves. “I came full circle. It was a little ironic to be on that field, hoisting that trophy. I had visions in the past of hoisting it with the Bombers but things worked out in different ways. I came to Edmonton and I’m happy that I got to hoist the trophy with this team.”
An all-star performer during his time with the Western Ontario Mustangs, Greaves made the switch from the defensive line to the offensive line.
“It was pretty rough at first,” said Greaves. “At camp, I was getting killed the first three weeks, but then you just adapt. I know some of the tricks defensive linemen use, but not all of them.”
Durability has become a Greaves trademark. In Winnipeg, Greaves missed just three games, starting in 59 since he became a regular O line starter in his second year with the team.
“I stretch a lot, eat well and sleep well,” said Greaves when asked about his secret formula to avoid the injury bug. “Just keep movin’ your feet. That’s the main thing.”
Greaves started three games for the Eskimos last season and is quite content to be in a backup role in a deep and experienced offensive line unit.
“Any role is a good role,” said Greaves, who sang the praises of the Eskimos starters. “Those guys are tremendous players. Tony (Washington) and DA (D’Anthony Batiste), they’ve been at it a long time. They’re both strong and very athletic and can shut people down. Simeon (Rottier) and Justin (Sorensen) are wily vets and Matt (O’Donnell) is a mountain. You’re not going to move him.
“Those guys have earned it. Whenever I’m called up on to play, that’s my job. I’ll just contribute in whatever way they see fit. It’s a pretty deep line. The line here is tremendous, a great group of guys and they’re capable of playing real well. Anybody can step in there and get the job done.”
A self-described computer nerd, Greaves was married in April to Elizabeth, becoming a stepfather to daughter Isabelle.
“I love kids,” said Greaves. “I loved playing with nieces and nephews when I was growing up. To me, I love it. I embrace the opportunity. I love being a dad. I’m a big kid myself, so I love having a kid to play with.
“I’m a big nerd and bit of a gamer. I love building and taking apart computers. That’s my thing. Anything involving technology, I’m all for it.”