Collingwood hopes to re-sign Brodie Grundy before Round 1

COLLINGWOOD has earmarked Brodie Grundy as its priority signing this year, hopeful of him inking a new contract before Round 1.

Brodie Grundy is mobbed by teammates after kicking the winning goal against Richmond in Round 2. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

COLLINGWOOD has earmarked Brodie Grundy as its priority signing this year, hopeful of him inking a new contract before Round 1.

The fifth-year ruckman started 2016 out of the Pies’ Round 1 side, but by year’s end had taken the mantle as one of the league’s elite ruckmen.

He snatched the Round 2 encounter away from Richmond with a last-gasp goal and led all AFL ruckmen in possessions (18) and uncontested possessions (nine).

The 22-year-old signed a three-year extension early in his second season but is now the only star Pie that needs to be locked away this year.

The Pies are in regular talks with his management and believe they will strike a new long-term deal early in the year.

Collingwood believes a new deal with Brodie Grundy will be done soon. Picture: Getty Images

Collingwood showed its faith in Grundy as lead ruckman when it traded competitor Jarrod Witts to the Suns in the trade period.

Emerging American ruck Mason Cox put in a huge off-season and looms as a regular again.

Collingwood hopes he can play forward alongside spearhead Darcy Moore and give Grundy some ruck relief when needed.

Cox, 25, remains a Category B rookie but after 17 goals in 11 games looks to have a future

Grundy’s ability to cover the ground became his chief weapon.

Champion Data rated him an elite mark and clearance player with a possession average exceptional for the ruck craft, better even than West Coast’s Dean Cox across his career.

Collingwood last year had to deal with the circus of Travis Cloke’s future but while Nathan Buckley will coach for his future the playing list is more secure.

Apart from some young emerging players like Rupert Wills and Tom Phillips, it does not have another high-profile player out of contract.

When Grundy signed his most recent contract in March 2014 he said he had been determined to get it out of the way early in the season.

“It is something I didn’t take lightly. It involved all of my family and my management. It was something that I wanted to get done early,’’ he said.

“I knew I wanted to stay at Collingwood and play my football here. I didn’t want that dragging on throughout the year.”