By Marnie Vinall, Russell Bennett and Greg Baum
In today’s AFL Briefing:
- If the Magpies are going to give the premiership a shake, they’ll have to do it without their star ruckman
- Young Dogs star signs on despite turbulent season
- Collingwood match-winner turns his back on free agency
- And, in case you missed it, Peter Ryan says it’s no surprise Adelaide Crows players took so long to speak publicly about the harrowing pre-season camp of 2018. Read his Four Points column here.
Grundy ruled out for the season
Greg Baum
Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy has been ruled out of the rest of the season with an ankle injury.Credit: Getty Images
Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy will miss the rest of the season, stiffening the Magpies’ finals challenge but relieving them of a short-term headache about which ruckmen to go with in a team that has won its past 11 matches.
Grundy has not played an AFL game since injuring his knee on Anzac Day. He returned to play for the Magpies’ VFL team against Southport Sharks two weeks ago, but suffered what proved to be a stress fracture of his ankle.
“The nature of the ankle injury is not long-term, so Brodie will make a full recovery,” said Collingwood football manager Graham Wright. “But after consulting with multiple specialists to assess all options available, it was determined arthroscopic surgery would be the best course of action.
“The pleasing thing for Brodie is that his knee has held up well – this is a separate injury – and unfortunately with only a couple of weeks left of the home-and-away season, he will be unable to take further part in matches in 2022.”
In Grundy’s absence, Darcy Cameron has emerged into his own as the No 1 ruckman and Mason Cox has played the most consistent football of his quirky career.
While rehabilitating, the highly-paid Grundy has become the subject of speculation about an off-season trade. But coach Craig McCrae has repeatedly said that Grundy was a needed player who would make the Magpies better when he returned. Now that will not be until next year.
“Brodie will be up and running at the start of pre-season training but for the time being his health remains the priority,” said Wright.
Smith signs contract extension at Whitten Oval
Marnie Vinall
Star Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith has signed a two-year extension and will remain in the red, white and blue until at least the end of 2024.
Despite missing four rounds due to suspension, first for rough conduct and then for conduct unbecoming, the 21-year-old Smith has had a remarkable season, averaging 30 disposals and four clearances per game.
Bailey Smith tackled by Saints’ Jack Steele.Credit: Getty
Smith is a key component of an elite midfield brigade at the Bulldogs, joined by the likes of captain Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, Jack Macrae, Josh Dunkley and Adam Treloar, and has been a standout of the Dogs’ side since being drafted in 2018 at pick seven. This included playing a pivotal role in the 2021 finals series, in which the club advanced to the decider against eventual premiers, Melbourne.
“I don’t want to be anywhere else – I am stoked to call this home for another two years,” Smith said in a statement on Monday.
“We have such strong bonds with the place – you can’t envision yourself doing anything else. The people in the club have stuck by me, I’ll be forever in debt to them.”
“The fans are amazing, it’s why we play. Seeing them each weekend at Marvel or wherever we are playing, to hear their voices cheering us on and supporting us, that pushes us to another level.”
“A massive goal of ours is sustained success. Certainly, see with the power of the list, it’s exciting the next couple of years to see what we can do.”
“It wasn’t even in question to go anywhere else, purely because the people here have helped form arguably the most important years of my life.
“From when I got here when I was 17 to now be 21 – the people that have supported me through thick and thin. All the amazing times I have had with my best mates – it was a major part of why I couldn’t go anywhere else.”
Sam Power, the Bulldogs’ list and recruiting boss, said he was thrilled Smith decided to remain at the club and that the emerging cult hero is focused on building sustained success, both on and off the field at the club.
“Bailey has established himself as a consistent performer for the football club and has become one of the most exciting young players within the competition.
“At only 21 years of age, we believe Bailey can still improve and he will leave no stone unturned to get the best out of himself and the team.
“Our members and supporters can look forward to cheering on our number six for years to come.”
Smith was suspended for four matches – two for headbutting Geelong’s Zach Tuohy, and another two for conduct unbecoming, having admitted to taking illicit drugs last year when dealing with mental health issues. He also received a strike under the illicit drugs policy.
Free agent commits to Pies
Russell Bennett
Man of the moment Jamie Elliott has re-signed at Collingwood for a further three seasons.
The 29-year-old match-winner turned his back on free agency to recommit his future to the Collingwood, where he’ll remain until at least the end of the 2025 campaign.
The newly-minted 150-gamer has kicked 220 goals for the Magpies so far - the most memorable of those coming after the siren against Essendon in round 19.
His 2021 campaign was cruelled by injury, but Elliott currently leads the Magpies this season for inside-50 ground ball gets, disposals inside 50, and tackles inside 50 - signifying his importance to Craig McRae’s red-hot side.
“We’re pleased to extend Jamie for another three years, and to hopefully see him play out his career at the Club,” Collingwood football GM and 1990 premiership player Graham Wright said.
Jamie Elliott stares down Christian Salem.Credit: AFL Photos
“Jamie is an instrumental figure in our program. Across 11 seasons he has a wealth of football smarts which is invaluable to the youth of our group.
“The likes of Ash Johnson, Jack Ginnivan, Beau McCreery and Ollie Henry are products of great improvement credit to Elliott’s influence in the forward line.
“In addition to this, Jamie is a player that stands up in the moments that matter, inspiring all members of our program.”
The Western Bulldogs currently sit out of the top eight at spot 10 and will be need to win their next two games to have any hopes of a finals appearance. They next play GWS at Marvel and Hawthorn in Tasmania. The Magpies, meanwhile, are the form side of the competition - winning their past 11 matches in a row.
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