AFL 2024 Sydney v Melbourne: Max Gawn opens up on his first meeting with former teammate Brodie Grundy

Max Gawn knows what the narrative will be after Brodie Grundy’s win in Thursday night’s ruck showdown. Is he or coach Simon Goodwin worried? Here’s all the fallout.

Max Gawn of the Demons and Brodie Grundy of the Swans. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

Melbourne superstar captain Max Gawn said he let himself down and was beaten by former teammate Brodie Grundy in the Demons’ 22-point loss to Sydney Swans on Thursday night.

Gawn said it was one of the toughest nights of his career due to the humid and sweaty conditions and the physical buffeting he copped from the Swans’ players at the SCG.

Grundy was outstanding in the second half finishing with 23 touches and nine clearances in his first outing at his third club after trades from Melbourne and Collingwood.

Gawn said Grundy took the points in the season-opener, using his inside knowledge of Gawn’s game from their game together to try and lock him up in a wrestle rather than a jumping contest.

“A lot of rucks do that to me at centre bounce. I feel like centre bounce has been a strength of mine for years, and obviously Brodie knows it more than anyone and he rushed the line every single time,” Gawn said.

Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy resumed their famous rivalry on Thursday night. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos/Getty Images

“It was probably 50-50 (battle) in the centre bounce, but he probably got me around the ground.

“He definitely got me around the ground and I found it really incredibly tough out there today.

“The Sydney boys did well targeting me around the ground and credit to them.

“Brodie played extremely well.”

Gawn said he looked forward to bouncing back next week against Western Bulldogs where the Demons would attempt to sharply improve their stoppage game after losing the clearance battle to Sydney by 11 at the SCG.

The impact of Grundy’s game wasn’t lost on former coach Simon Goodwin either.

“He played exceptionally well,” Goodwin said.

“Clearly he’s a very good player. We know that. We’ve had him in our environment and know what he’s capable of doing.

“Seeing him thrive in Sydney is a good thing for footy.

“Credit to Brodie. He was well prepared and executed well.”

Grundy got the better of his former teammate. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

Grundy’s new mentor John Longmire agreed his new big man’s week leading into the game laid the foundation.

“I feel really pleased for him. He’s got that one out of the way and now he can get settled into his season,” Longmire said.

“He was like all of us, a little bit anxious and a little bit excited.

“He’s a pro. He knows he has to do a job and he gets himself in a good state mentally during the week to be able to deliver.”

Gawn said he enjoyed carrying a large ruck load and would attempt to bounce back against the Dogs, even if they come after him.

“I don’t mind it. I let myself down today and the narrative will be I can’t do it (on his own) but bring it on,” Gawn said.

“If they want to do it again (target him) I’m more than happy to show them (opponents) I can do it.”

Gawn said the Demons were also beaten in the stoppages which was normally one of the club’s biggest strengths.

The Dees struggled in humid conditions. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

“It was hot, it was sweaty, the ball was a bar of soap,” he said.

“I struggled to mark in those conditions and they were cleaner and their pressure was up.

“We would like to stand up in that pressure, we hold ourselves to account there.

“Certainly our brand (needs to improve). I get the 1 goal eight behinds (storyline).

“But we lost by 13 inside 50s and 26 contested possessions in the second half so our defence and contest hasn’t stood up, which is our brand.”

Coach Simon Goodwin said the team had to perform better in the clinches and said Clayton Oliver shook off some cobwebs in his return game.

“It was a typical Clayton game, he was tough in tight and in the clinches and contest,” Goodwin said.

“He fumbled the ball a little bit at times and he will get better.

“Great to see him happy and healthy back in the program. We will get him back to his best.”

Originally published as AFL 2024 Sydney v Melbourne: Max Gawn opens up on his first meeting with former teammate Brodie Grundy