Brodie Grundy issued an ominous statement against his former side at the SCG, employing a smart ruck tactic to wear down his ex-teammate.
Grundy’s Swans blitzed the Demons in the final quarter of Thursday night’s season-opener, kicking five goals to Melbourne’s two in the fourth stanza to deliver a stirring 22-point win to start the year.
Sydney surrendered just Pick 46 last year and a future second-round choice to Melbourne in exchange for the 29-year-old, who showed his wares in spades in his debut in Swans colours.
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Grundy’s 23 disposals were fourth-best among Swans, while his 15 contested possessions and nine clearances ranked second-highest for John Longmire’s side on the night.
The former 10-year Pie and one-year Demon’s grunt and thrust at the contest were irresistible in a statement performance against ex-companion Max Gawn.
“The Swans haven’t had a ruckman like this for so long. It changes your whole contested profile,” King told Fox Footy on Thursday.
“It’s the biggest list free kick I can remember for some time. It’s an unbelievable asset the Swans have.”
Longmire sung the praises of his new big man post-game, admiring his persistent effort and the way he went about combating his former teammates.
“His second half was huge,” Longmire said on Thursday evening. “He just kept going, just kept ploughing through. His second and third efforts, his work around the footy was enormous.
“I just feel really pleased for him. He’s got that one out of the way and now he can settle into his season now, and he’s got another big one next week against the Pies.”
Despite Gawn winning the final hit-out count 37-33, Grundy’s targeted approach at centre bounces to quell the Demon’s run-and-jump was effective as he progressively wore down the 32-year-old flag skipper.
In the centre circle, Grundy’s aim was obvious: immediately invade Gawn’s space and force a stationery ruck contest.
It was a clever tactic that made the usually nimble Demon more idle and helped turn the tide in Grundy’s favour.
“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 post-game.
“It was probably 50-50 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 competition’s most proven tap artist conceded defeat on Thursday, but reassured he’ll be up for the fight this year.
“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 (opponents) want to do it again (target me) I’m more than happy to show them I can do it.”
Melbourne’s inspirational captain finished with 14 disposals (nine contested) and four tackles in addition to his 37 taps won.
The Demons will face the Bulldogs in Round 1 and they will seemingly have to do so without defender Jake Bowey, who succumbed to a shoulder concern.
Meanwhile, Grundy is scheduled to play another of his former clubs next weekend — Collingwood — on Friday night.
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