The AFL future of star ruck Brodie Grundy remains unclear as trade whispers continue to circulate.
On Friday, respected AFL media journalist Damian Barrett said the ruck “project” between Melbourne captain Max Gawn and Grundy had been “abandoned”, while 7NEWS chief football reporter Tom Browne suggested on Thursday that there was a new player in the Grundy market.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Richmond cross sporting codes in pursuit of next AFL coach.
Analysis, local footy and the biggest moments, Seven and 7plus are the home of footy shows for every fan. Stream them all for free on 7plus >>
Grundy – who was traded from Collingwood to Melbourne in a salary cap dump at the end of last year – has been dropped to the VFL in recent weeks after his partnership with Gawn flopped.
With Grundy out of the picture, Gawn, a six-time All-Australian who is widely considered the competitions No.1 ruck, has rocketed back to his blistering best.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said he wanted Grundy to improve his forward craft, but critics close to Grundy have insisted that he is not a forward and never will be.
Goodwin later clarified his comments, saying that he was not trying to turn Grundy into a forward, and also called the trade speculation “hysteria”.
“We’re trying to increase the combination forward of the ball. We’re not trying to turn Brodie Grundy into a forward – let’s be really clear on that,” Goodwin said.
“We’re trying to turn this ruck combination into a dominant force that will help us in the ruck, but also help us ahead of the ball.
“On the back of that hysteria; I’ve heard him playing as a permanent forward, I’ve heard we’re trying to trade him. That’s not the case. We love Brodie Grundy.”
But Grundy’s time in the VFL is likely to remain this weekend, even though he has been named in Melbourne’s extended squad to face Richmond on Sunday afternoon.
And the trade whispers continue to grow louder.
Young Carlton ruck-forward Tom De Koning has just rejected strong interest from rival clubs and signed a new two-year contract with the Blues.
De Koning had been in the sights of Sydney, St Kilda and Geelong, with his brother Sam part of the Cats’ premiership tilt last season.
With the De Koning deal done, Browne says Sydney could turn their attention to Grundy.
“A major domino in the trade market has now fallen,” Browne said on Thursday.
“Tom De Koning will stay with Carlton for two years … Sydney and Geelong missed out.
“That means both are still looking for a ruckman, the Swans might become an option for Grundy (who was) overlooked again (to play senior football this weekend).”
Grundy is from South Australia and Browne believes Port Adelaide – who are also in desperate need of a strong ruck – are still the favourite to secure his services.
Barrett also said in his column on the AFL website on Friday: “A third club in three years coming up for the two-time All-Australian. The one which wears teal, black and white (the colours of Port) already very interested.”
– With AAP
If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your .
To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.