Grundy ready for ‘big boy’
Magpie’s ruck duel with Eagles tag-team could be key
COLLINGWOOD ruckman Brodie Grundy says he is prepared for Nathan Vardy to “throw his weight around” when the pair meet for a second time in a month in Saturday’s grand final.
Grundy and Vardy had an enthralling duel in the qualifying final at Optus Stadium, with the former Cat nullifying the Magpie at crucial times.
Grundy again faces the tagteam duo of Vardy and Scott Lycett in a battle that is likely to shape the grand final.
He is ready for a tough outing.
“I’m not expecting anything different (to last time),” Grundy said.
“I saw them play Max Gawn last week and they were really task oriented and that’s a real strength of Lycett and Vardy, their willingness to sacrifice their own game to play a role on quality opposition in Max Gawn.
“I expect pretty similar treatment and I’m just going to have to work extra hard to get away from them.”
Grundy dominated Vardy and Lycett (14 hitouts each), amassing 48 hitouts to give the Magpies an advantage.
But it was Vardy’s ability to use his strong frame late in the contest that provided the Eagles with the edge.
“I remember the first time I played against Nathan. It was in a VFL game in Geelong and he was a big boy,” Grundy said yesterday.
“It was my first or second year and he was just really competitive and wanted to throw his weight around, and nothing’s changed since then.
“I’ve got maybe a little bit bigger, but those fundamental attitude things don’t change in players and I’m really looking forward to meeting the challenge and meeting it head on.
“It’s similar with Lycett. He’s really competitive as well and it’s been no surprise to me the way that they’ve been playing. They’re quality opposition and it’s going to take a good solid week of preparation to combat it and beat them.”
Grundy said the rags-toriches tales within the club should win over the hearts of neutrals.
“There are so many stories, it just depends where you want to look,” he said.
“Tyson (Goldsack). Adam Treloar. Travis Varcoe — what he’s gone through.
“The story of the footy club itself. Nathan Buckley and the scrutiny he was under.
“Steele Sidebottom. The year that he’s had. It’s amazing to be a part of.”
The death of Varcoe’s sister Maggie earlier this month — after an incident while playing football in South Australia — flavours Collingwood’s story with heartbreak.
The Magpie forward has played through the tragedy, saying taking his place in the team has grounded him through the grief.
“It shook us up and no one more than Travis,” Grundy said.
“The message that Travis sent to the group is that it happened with her doing something that she loved.
“The way he’s coped with it and his resilience . . . it gave the group real strength.”