Brodie Grundy will remain in Collingwood colours for the foreseeable future after signing a contract extension with the Magpies.
One of the highest-profile players set to hit free agency at the end of the 2020 season, Grundy ended any speculation he might leave the club by confirming he’s staying at the Pies on Friday morning.
While there had been murmurings that the All Australian ruckman may have been on the move home to Adelaide for the 2021 season, news broke late last year that the Magpies had relented to Grundy’s preferred contract length of seven years.
That’s now been officially confirmed, with the deal, believed to be worth around $1 million per year, to keep the 25-year-old at the club until the end of the 2027 season.
“Clearly, at this age and point in my career, it was an important decision,” Grundy said.
“I took my time to consider all of the things that mean the most to me – my football, my ambitions, my life beyond the game, my family, friends, team-mates and the football club – and settled on what I believe is best for all of those relationships, needs and passions.
“I want to be able to find the very best version of myself, as a person and a footballer, but I also want to contribute to the greater good, to the whole. I know that, in a football sense at least, what ‘Bucks’ and the group are creating is a cause worth continuing to invest in passionately.
“There is so much more to come, personally and collectively.”
Collingwood list manager Ned Guy said Grundy’s age, as well as his obvious quality on the field, was a big reason behind the extension.
“Brodie is clearly a very, very good footballer who is important to Collingwood’s future.
“Brodie is physical in the way he plays the game. He prepares exceptionally well which explains, in part, his durability. He wants to lead, wants to improve, wants to set an example and dominate. He is rarely content with his game.
“We love the fact that he sees so much scope for improvement and is determined to be as good as he can possibly be even though, at 25 years of age, he is already an influential player on the field and, increasingly, in the change room.
“If you look at Brodie’s performances, he is on an upswing. It will be fascinating, and a joy, to see Brodie’s future unfold.”
After making his debut in 2013, Grundy has developed into arguably the top ruckman in the AFL, earning All Australian selection and winning the Magpies’ best and fairest the last two years.
Although the Collingwood star has shunned free agency, there are still a number of high-profile players off contract at the end of the season, including GWS forward Jeremy Cameron and Essendon counterpart Joe Daniher.
MORE TO COME…
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Yes I think they tried but he just doesn’t know where to run in the forward line. I’d like them to give Howe a try
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Shame Grundy isn’t the same. Not like Danger. Not even the value, but the seven years seems selfish.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Pendles will go on a low contract . He is desperate for another flag not money
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
He had a lousy season and played one great final . Cox comes to mind. A better season and one great final
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
De Goey is handy. Jamie Elliott and Stephenson. If we get them all on the park healthy watch out .
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
I do recall it being a plan one year, sending Grundy froward for spells, but this was short lived.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Actually it is $1.4m this year and $1.5 next. Grundy is small change.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Cornes used the 2019 prelim where we lost and Grundy dominated but it was a wet awful night so his dominating stifled by conditions
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Yes Jack but you are talking what 1 mill a year was worth what 7 years ago? Compared to what 1 mill a year is worth in 2020
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
A fair comment. Grundy isn’t a great mark so don’t think we will see him forward much though worth a shot
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
It wasn’t just Cox. Grundy made mincemeat of the makeshift Tiger rucks
David C
Roar Rookie
Collingwood had to keep him but 7 years is too long imo. How much money is left for Moore, De Goey and Pendles? Moore and De Goey tested the market when they had their last contracts renewed. One of them might get squeezed out. Pendles won’t play anywhere else.
IAP
Guest
He played at CHF in the grand final
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
GF?
IAP
Guest
What? I was pointing out that this contract only came about because of current market conditions; a valid point. Don’t be contrarian for the sake of it, it’s just petty.
IAP
Guest
He was mostly a key forward during the finals, and had a big influence too.
IAP
Guest
Kane Corned raises exactly the same point yesterday; just look at the ruck men from the pat six premiership teams - not a standout amongst them. Yes he’s good, but could the money be better spent elsewhere? Even when he dominates it doesn’t correlate with Collingwood winning.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Ruckman don't win premierships. Sandilands a foot taller than his opponents spent 16 years dominating the tap outs @ 33% to advantage averaged only one Contested mark a game. Overrated big time.Grundy is more versatile and better player by a long way. Top KPP and good mids is the key.
Raimond
Roar Guru
smart move
Peter
Guest
Depends. A lot of players have clauses in their contracts which address increases in salary cap; either proportional increases or avenues to re-negotiate. This is a result of the Alistair Lynch 10 year contract which saw the salary cap increase midway through and made his contract very outdated.