Sydney recruit Brodie Grundy has played a starring role in a first win over his former team, leading the Swans to a tough 22-point win over fellow Flag hopefuls Melbourne in the AFL season opener.
Grundy was involved in a riveting ruck battle with ex-teammate Max Gawn as Sydney scored four straight goals to seal a 12.14 (86) to 9.10 (64) victory in front of 40,012 fans at a sellout at the start of last term. contest. Thursday evening at SCG.
However, it could all have gone terribly wrong for the ruckman, who suffered a freak injury that almost derailed his debut.
During a pre-match swim at Bondi Beach, Grundy was stung behind the ear by a bluebottle jellyfish.
He shared a photo on Instagram of his ear, which had turned bright red and swollen considerably.
Brodie Grundy has revealed he suffered a bizarre injury before Thursday’s match
Grundy returned to haunt his former club Melbourne on his debut for the Swans
‘My inner circle saw that: it is absolutely the worst pain I have ever felt. You wouldn’t wish that on anyone,” he told Fox Footy after the match.
But he insists he will continue swimming in the sea.
‘We’re going back to the well. I will rise bright and early,” he added. “You can’t let yourself be put off too much.”
Isaac Heeney featured in the Swans’ midfield, missing injured players Callum Mills, Luke Parker and Taylor Adams, making 26 disposals, 18 contested possessions, one goal and a career-best 13.
Chad Warner (26 touches, one goal), James Rowbottom (21 possessions), Errol Gulden (20) and Nick Blakey (26) were also busy, while Hayden McLean and Will Hayward scored two goals each.
Grundy, who left Melbourne for a third club during last year’s trade period, finished with 22 disposals, nine clearances and 31 hitouts to beat Gawn in their personal clash.
He used his body well in ruck matches to limit Gawn’s influence (15 disposals, two clearances, 39 hitouts) and gradually defeated his opponent with help from McLean.
“His second half was huge. He just kept going and plowed on,” Swans coach John Longmire said of Grundy.
“His second and third tries and his work around the footy was massive.
‘I’m just really happy for him. He got that out of the way and now he can settle into his season and get going.”
Fellow former Demon James Jordon had 18 disposals and seven tackles in his first appearance against his old side.
Grundy pulled off a jellyfish sting to help Sydney defeat the Demons at the SCG
The Swans were well beaten in contested possession (80-61) during the first half, but dominated that statistic after the main break (87-64) against Melbourne’s vaunted midfield.
They also won clearances 45-34 and Demons coach Simon Goodwin admitted his team had lowered their colors in an area that is usually a strong point.
“When you lose (contested possession) by almost 30 in the second half it puts enormous pressure on every phase of your game,” Goodwin said.
“You have to give Sydney a lot of credit; they were excellent at that stage of the match, especially after half-time.
“You could tell that was what swung the game their way.
“If you’re going to lose by that amount against really good teams, they’re going to make you pay.”
Bayley Fritsch scored three goals in the third quarter to briefly give Melbourne the lead – finishing with four – before they faded late in hot and slippery conditions.
Steven May was brilliant in defence, but the Demons’ scoring problems at the other end – a point of concern over the summer – reared their heads again.
They managed just 2.8 from 29 attackers in the first half and trailed by seven points at the main break.
He says the incident won’t stop him from swimming at Bondi Beach again
Jack Viney (31 disposals, seven goals, two goals) and Christian Salem (27 touches) fought hard against the tide for Melbourne and Clayton Oliver (29 disposals, six goals) did well in his first senior game after a turbulent off-season.
It was a nail-biting match, with Dees defender Jake Bowey sidelined after hurting his right shoulder in a collision with Justin McInerney.
Sydney face another big test when they meet reigning premier Collingwood next week in a blockbuster on Friday night, while Melbourne have 10 days until their home game against the Western Bulldogs.