NewsBite

Brodie Grundy unsure if he will be playing forward more in 2018

IF BRODIE Grundy is going to be the answer to Collingwood’s forward line in 2018, it’s news to the Magpies’ big man.

Eliza Hynes and Brodie Grundy at Collingwood training. Picture: David Crosling
Eliza Hynes and Brodie Grundy at Collingwood training. Picture: David Crosling

IF BRODIE Grundy is going to be the answer to Collingwood’s forward line in 2018, it’s news to the Magpies’ big man.

The talented ruck has been touted as a forward option this season after coach Nathan Buckley expressed his desire to play both Grundy and fellow tall Mason Cox in the same team.

Grundy and Cox teamed well in Collingwood’s Round 23 win over Melbourne and Grundy said it appeared a blueprint the club was keen to explore.

BIG CHANGES: SUPERCOACH 2018 PRICES REVEALED

“You guys are talking about it so much I’m like, ‘Oh my god, I might have to be a forward next year?’,” Grundy said.

“I haven’t really thought about it until this week.

“I actually spoke to Bucks and was like, ‘Mate, am I a forward now?’.

“He just said some longwinded thing. He just said obviously the last game of the year worked really well with you and Mason and we think we got a really different look with both of you’.”

Collingwood’s men’s and women’s teams trained together today. Picture: David Crosling
Collingwood’s men’s and women’s teams trained together today. Picture: David Crosling

While Grundy is a ruckman first, he can see the benefit in playing in attack, even if he did appear a reluctant forward.

“I know the football club has made a lot of decisions based on the last game of the year and they seem to know what they’re doing,” Grundy said.

“It did work for that last game. At the end of the day they’re going to be playing the best 22 and if me and Mason are both in that then that’s fantastic.

Mason Cox hones his ruckwork at Collingwood training. Picture: David Crosling
Mason Cox hones his ruckwork at Collingwood training. Picture: David Crosling
Brodie Grundy tangles with Eliza Hynes. Picture: David Crosling
Brodie Grundy tangles with Eliza Hynes. Picture: David Crosling

“We’re good buddies … me and Mason are doing everything together, we’re both really competitive.

“There’s been a few rough and tumbles.

“I’ve always played as a ruckman, ruck person, I love the idea to go down and kick goals but I suppose the few goals I have kicked in my career have been as ruckman floating forward.

“I think I have the capability to add those strings to my bow.

“ … I think where I provide most of my strengths for the team is in the ruck. I think I’ve shown over the last couple of years I’ve shown I can win the ball in there and I think that’s where my strength is but having said that, I think there is some upside for me playing forward and I just need to develop that.”

The Magpies men’s and women’s teams combined for drills at the Holden Centre. Ben Reid, Adam Treloar and Josh Thomas are all on restricted duties and ran laps while their teammates completed the main session.

Scott Pendlebury in action at Collingwood training. Picture: David Crosling
Scott Pendlebury in action at Collingwood training. Picture: David Crosling
Nathan Buckley keeps a close eye on his players. Picture: David Crosling
Nathan Buckley keeps a close eye on his players. Picture: David Crosling

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/collingwood/brodie-grundy-unsure-if-he-will-be-playing-forward-more-in-2018/news-story/9be592828bb694506ab1fc17662dba86