Recruit stars for Swans in session
Oliver back on track for the Demons
Star recruit Brodie Grundy has impressed in one of his first major hit-outs in Swans colours.
The former All-Australian ruckman was a dominant force around the stoppages in Sydney’s intra-club practice match on Wednesday morning in Coffs Harbour.
From the first bounce, Grundy’s agility was on display as he followed up his strong ruck work to find the ball in space and hit a target on the run.
“He’s been unbelievable since he got here,” Swans assistant coach Dean Cox said.
“We know he’s a quality ruckman, he’s done that for years. And he’s done that ever since he’s been at the club.
“So he’s built some great, strong relationships already and looking forward now to the weeks leading into the start of the season where he can continue to build on it.”
The Swans’ midfield was split evenly across the two teams while they put their full-strength forward and back lines up against each other.
In the first half, key defender Tom McCartin had a strong influence on the game thanks to his composure with ball in hand. His physicality at the contest also made it hard for his main opponent, Joel Amartey, to get himself into the game.
However, there was improved accuracy in front of goal, a problem that plagued the Swans for much of last year. Amartey, Isaac Heeney and Hayden McLean all kicked truly from tough set shots in the pocket.
Tom Papley also looked as fit as he’s ever been, getting on the end of some strong passages to find a couple of goals of his own.
Several players on the fringes of Sydney’s best 22 also lifted their intensity in an attempt to show coaches they should be in consideration for the season opener against the Demons.
Sam Wicks was one of the best on ground thanks to his work rate, his ability to find a player in space and his defensive efforts. His tenacity was a feature of the Swans’ finals charge last year.
The major positive for the Swans is that they got through the session injury-free.
Clayton Oliver was energetic and ran strongly but worked away from the main group on his return to Melbourne training on Wednesday.
Oliver was one of the first Demons on track, just after 9am, with a rehab group that included Ben Brown, Harrison Petty and Tom Fullarton.
It was the star onballer’s first session with teammates since he left the club’s preseason camp in Lorne on December 18, with Oliver taking a break from the club during that period as he dealt with personal issues.
He began reintegrating into the main group on Tuesday.
He joined skipper Max Gawn in the middle for some centre bounce run throughs, showing off the iconic partnership he has formed with the champion Demons ruckman.
Oliver then worked extensively with new assistant coach Andrew McQualter on kicking and tackling as the main group began warm-ups.
He pushed through an extensive running session, largely alongside Christian Salem, who is recovering from a minor hamstring tweak.
The three-time AllAustralian looked fit and has regularly run with others during his time apart from the club and completed a running session at Gosch’s Paddock on Monday as Melbourne’s main group trained at Casey.
On Wednesday, he was happy to engage with fans watching on and stopped for a number of photos on his way off the track. Having started in the club’s rehab group, there is no concrete timeline for Oliver to join main training.
“He won’t be in everything, his will still be a week where he will integrate back into what our training looks like,” club football boss Alan Richardson told the club’s website. “We will have to make sure we bring him up to speed from an education point of view with any adjustments we have made to our game plan.”