‘It wasn’t his decision!’: Ex-Magpie Brodie Grundy booed by Collingwood fans

In his first game against his old team, a former Collingwood fan favourite was bizarrely booed by the black and white faithful at the MCG.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 12: Brodie Grundy of the Demons kicks the ball during the 2023 AFL Round 13 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 12, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Brodie Grundy was booed by Collingwood fans during the King’s Birthday loss to Melbourne, proving the Pies faithful have very short memories.

Grundy played the first nine seasons of his career at Collingwood, winning two best and fairests and claiming two All-Australian blazers in 2018 and 2019.

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At the end of the 2019 season, Grundy signed a seven-year, $1 million per-season deal.

But the ruckman couldn’t recapture his best form in the following seasons and was traded to Melbourne at the end of 2022 as the Magpies sought salary cap relief.

At the time, Grundy said he didn’t want to leave Collingwood.

“When I signed my contract, you think you are going be a Pie for life,” he said.

“That is the hardest thing, you have what is a pure intent, it really starts when you walk in the door … I wanted to play 300 games for the Pies.”

Brodie Grundy was booed by Magpies fans. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

It was Grundy’s first game against the team he didn’t want to leave. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

So in his first game against Collingwood, eyebrows were raised when parts of the MCG crowd booed Grundy as he took a mark in the first quarter.

Hamish McLachlan said in commentary on Channel 7: “You heard the cheers and the jeers all at once. Tough crowd.”

Tim Watson said: “This bloke got forced out of the club.”

McLachlan added: “It wasn’t his decision!”

Viewers couldn’t believe Collingwood fans were booing a champion of the club who didn’t want to leave.

The brain cells of some Collingwood supporters booing Grundy is absolutely no surprise #HeWantedToStay

— Jeppa (@JeppaDT) June 12, 2023

As a pies fan, STOP booing grundy! Unnecessary and rude #AFLDeesPies

— bec (@beccaIouise) June 12, 2023

Collingwood stop booing Grundy he didn’t want to leave. Ffs.
It’s embarrassing. #AFLDeesPies

— Jenny Gump (@NobodyImpawtant) June 12, 2023

Collingwood fans booing Grundy, a bloke that didn’t want to leave and he was forced out! 🤦‍♂️ #AFLDeesPies

— Drew Semmens (@drewie_5) June 12, 2023

Your coach literally invited Grundy into a room and told him his services aren’t required anymore. What a fanbase full of morons. #AFL#AFLDeesPies

— Dayne (@DayneCroader141) June 12, 2023

Grundy missed a shot on goal in the first quarter, which was appropriate given inaccuracy in front of goal cost the Demons in the first half.

Collingwood led 34 (5.4) to 25 (2.8) at the main break, as Melbourne aims to snap the Magpies’ eight-game winning streak.

Grundy redeemed himself in the third quarter, kicking a goal as the Dees edged ahead in the low-scoring contest.

The Demons hit the lead in the third quarter and held on for a 66 (8.18) to 62 (9.8) win.

Some late goals to Brody Mihocek and Nick Daicos made it close in the dying stages, but the Dees were deserving winners.

Melbourne are now clear in third spot on the ladder behind Collingwood and Port Adelaide.

Originally published as ‘It wasn’t his decision!’: Ex-Magpie Brodie Grundy booed by Collingwood fans