As we welcome 2024, the city of Sydney rejoices as it proudly announces the acquisition of Brodie Grundy and Taylor Adams from Melbourne in a fervent trade session that took place on Wednesday afternoon.
Formerly a player for Melbourne, the two-time, All-Australian honouree Grundy has, at the age of 29, transferred to his third club in a year’s span, now finding his new home with Sydney. In exchange, Sydney is giving up their 46th pick in the coming draft and their potential, future second-round option for Grundy.
Adams, once Grundy’s teammate and the vice-captain of Collingwood, who was unfortunately unable to participate in the Grand Final due to a hamstring injury, has cost the Swans their 33rd pick.
In spite of having signed a lucrative seven-year contract with Collingwood prior to the 2020 season, Grundy found himself being nudged out of the team towards the close of 2022 due to a salary cap issue at the Magpies. He quashed considerable rival interest to join Melbourne, where he and Max Gawn, the captain, were expected to make a commanding ruck duo. However, Coach Simon Goodwin was not satisfied with their performance as forwards, failing to see the impact he had anticipated in his game plan that hinged on the pair’s combined prowess. As a result, Grundy was benched during the 17th and 22nd rounds and was not called back for the finals, despite his exceptional Victorian Football League (VFL) performance.
In his appraisal of the new recruit, Charlie Gardiner, the Sydney football boss, dubbed Grundy as an ‘outstanding person’ and foresees him contributing significantly to the Swans on the field. “We are thrilled to have Brodie join our team in Sydney. His exceptional sense of sportsmanship and his elite skills as a ruckman are additions that will significantly enhance our team,” Gardiner exclaimed.
With the departure of Tom Hickey post-retirement, Grundy is anticipated to take up the key ruck role at the Swans next season.
Gardiner also forecasts Adams to be a critical support for the budding Swans’ midfield, considering the potential absence of injured Callum Mills.
Inking two new names on its team register, the Swans traded Dylan Stephens to North Melbourne, in return for a 44th pick and a future end-of-round-one selection, which was made possible through an AFL assistance package.
The Swans rounded off their trade season with bright and fresh talent at its core, looking forward to what promising outcomes the newcomers might bring to the upcoming games. The city of Sydney, the team’s number one fan, is buzzing with anticipation and hope as it embraces 2024 with open arms.
