Brodie proud to take on Victoria
COLLINGWOOD star Brodie Grundy isn’t quite in the “Kick a Vic” camp, but the proud South Australian is hellbent on helping the All-Stars to a win over Victoria in the AFL’s bushfire relief game.
Grundy spoke to reporters yesterday at CFA headquarters where he was on hand to unveil the special Sherrins that will be used in tomorrow night’s charity clash at Marvel Stadium.
The 25-year-old has lived in Melbourne since he was drafted by the Magpies in the first round of the 2012 draft and recently signed a new seven-year contract.
He couldn’t suppress a laugh when asked if he was “a Vic hater”.
“That’s a jarring question,” a smiling Grundy replied.
“I’d say younger me would be, yes, but I’m becoming more and more Victorian, unfortunately, as I’ve settled in.
“(But) in a sporting sense, I’d be keen to win, that’s for sure.
“Victoria has always bullied the smaller states, so it would be nice to get one back.”
Grundy, who has his South Australian under-18 guernsey framed in his home, is hopeful the exhibition match will prove the catalyst for the return of regular state of origin footy.
He said a recent trip to bushfire-ravaged Kangaroo Island had helped drive home the importance of the charity match.
“It was a holiday destination for our family many times growing up,” he said.
“To get back there and experience what it’s been like for the community was really significant.
“It’s easy to be sitting in your lounge room watching it but until you’re out there and you taste the ash in the air and see the regrowth starting to come through ... it really starts to bring it home.
“Leading into this week and what it’s all about, it’s really significant, and I’m honoured to be a part of it.”
Sherrin has produced an orange ball, the colour worn by State Emergency Service workers, featuring the names of around 230 towns ravaged by bushfires for the match.