Grundy's Standout Performance Powers Sydney to Pre-Season Victory
Veteran ruckman Brodie Grundy demonstrated his readiness to adapt to the amended AFL rules with a standout performance, leading the Sydney Swans to a commanding 38-point pre-season win over local rivals GWS Giants at a rain-lashed Henson Park. The match, played in challenging wet conditions, saw Sydney dominate the second half, kicking eight goals to three, with thunder and lightning adding drama to the final minutes as players splashed through puddles and surface water.
Injury Concerns and Key Player Updates
Early in the game, there were injury concerns that could impact both teams moving forward. Swans star Errol Gulden was not sighted after quarter time after tweaking an ankle, a déjà vu moment for Sydney and Gulden, who missed a large chunk of last season due to a similar pre-season ankle issue. However, Swans officials are adamant he will be available for next Thursday's season-opener against Carlton, stating he was withdrawn for precautionary reasons only. The importance of Gulden to the Swans cannot be overstated, as Sydney noticeably struggled last year in his absence, ultimately missing the finals.
For GWS, spearhead Jesse Hogan spent some time off the ground in the first half with what appeared to be an ankle issue, but he returned to play out the game. The Giants were without several injured players, but star midfielder Finn Callaghan expressed confidence after the match that he would be ready for their opening clash against Hawthorn, despite missing both practice games.
Grundy's Athleticism and Rule Adaptation
Grundy showed plenty of athleticism at the centre bounces, with the amended AFL rule placing a premium on jumping rather than physical contact between ruckmen. He amassed 15 touches, four clearances, and 33 hitouts, displaying impressive run and effort throughout the match. His performance was a key factor in Sydney's control of the game, especially in the tough conditions that made it challenging for key forwards.
In those conditions, Sydney's superstar recruit Charlie Curnow had a joint game-low six touches, but he managed to boot an impressive goal on the run from close to 60 metres early in the game before the rain became a factor, adding a second goal early in the second quarter. For GWS, big recruit Clayton Oliver gathered 19 touches and a well-taken goal, while captain Toby Greene was the standout player for his team, tallying 26 touches, eight tackles, and six clearances. Jake Stringer kicked a game-high three goals for the Giants.
Match Highlights and Team Contributions
Sydney won three of the four quarters, with GWS kicking half of their goals in the second term. Five straight goals either side of quarter time gave Sydney a 38-point lead, but GWS rallied with the last four goals of the half, including two goals apiece to Hogan and Stringer, to get within 12 points. Sydney booted the first three goals of the second half to regain control and never relinquished it, securing the final score of 14.13 (97) to 8.11 (59).
Apart from Grundy, other strong contributors for Sydney included Nick Blakey, Angus Sheldrick, James Rowbottom, and Isaac Heeney. The match also saw some disciplinary issues, with Sydney recruit Malcolm Rosas Jr reported for abusive language late in the game, while the Match Review Officer may scrutinise high contact from GWS ruck Nick Madden on Swans speedster Chad Warner.
This pre-season clash not only showcased Grundy's adaptability but also highlighted the resilience of both teams in adverse weather, setting the stage for an exciting AFL season ahead.
