Melbourne has been called “stubborn” for its decision not to play Brodie Grundy in last Friday night’s straight-sets finals exit at the hands of Carlton, with the ruckman poised to join a third home this off-season.
The Swans are the favourites to land Grundy in the upcoming trade period after a meeting with the club where the Sydney lifestyle and opportunities outside the game reportedly appealed to the 29-year old.
The Herald Sun reports the Demons won’t stand in Grundy’s way if he, as expected, asks for a trade in upcoming player exit meetings — just 12 months after moving from Collingwood — in a deal expected to cost the Swans a second-round pick.
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Sydney has two second rounders (No. 22 and 30) it could use in a deal for the dual All-Australian in addition to selections 11, 41 and 49, which comes a year after Melbourne gave up Pick 29 for the big man.
The Demons’ call to overlook Grundy at selection last week — if nothing else, as the sub given Josh Schache was unused as the 23rd man — has already sparked debate.
And speaking on SEN on Monday morning, Port Adelaide 300-gamer Kane Cornes pushed back at Nathan Buckley’s praise for the Dees in making the ruthless call to drop Grundy earlier this season in a bid to find a spark for its struggling offence.
Cornes argued, though it might’ve made sense at the time, Simon Goodwin should’ve eventually recalled Grundy after injuries to Harrison Petty and Jake Melksham left the club’s forward stocks thin.
“Why do you have to be so stubborn? Yeah, it worked for that period of time, but then things change throughout the season and you get some challenges and some injuries,” Cornes said on SEN Breakfast.
“If Brodie Grundy is not in your best 23 in the lead up to a final, I’d be staggered.
“To not have the ability to be able to push (Max) Gawn forward — he, at times, looked like the only threat.
“At times, they had (Tom) McDonald and (Christian) Petracca in the ruck. I thought that was too stubborn of them not to move when they needed to move and play Brodie Grundy in a final.
“It’s not a hindsight one, I was adamant with that during the week. At worst, as the sub.”
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The Power premiership player suggested Grundy could’ve impacted Friday night’s result as the sub by injecting “energy” in the contest.
“Remember Mason Cox came on as the sub against Brisbane and he was ravenous, jumping and pounding in at centre bonce and almost changed the course of that game,” he said.
“Imagine if Grundy had come on late in the quarter and then you push Gawn forward, the energy (Grundy) would’ve provided around the ball.
“Instead you’ve got Josh Schache — what’s he going to provide for you? Nothing.”
After narrow finals losses to Collingwood and Carlton, Buckley suggested not playing Grundy is one of many calls Goodwin and company would be left questioning.
“The most difficult thing as a coach is when you’ve failed or fallen short by the margins they have … all the ‘what ifs’ that could’ve happened, might’ve happened and should’ve happened,” the ex-Magpies coach told SEN.
“We don’t actually know what would’ve happened if Brodie Grundy was in the side (for) better or worse.
“What we do know is the decisions that were made led to a two-point loss, where the inches were everything.
“Now you haven’t made the right call or the right decision. I reckon the players will feel that as well and all the supporters are feeling it.
“I suppose that’s the cut and thrust and theatre of finals footy, because you’ve got to get enough right to give yourself a chance.”
Grundy’s future is one of several key matters for Melbourne this off-season, with Shane McAdam requesting a trade to the club, while James Harmes, Adam Tomlinson and James Jordon have all been linked to potential exits.
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