Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says he’s looking forward to seeing two of the competition’s premier ruckmen “go to town” on each other in Saturday night’s elimination final against West Coast.
Eagles big man Nic Naitanui overcame two knee reconstructions to be crowned this year’s All Australian ruckman.
Grundy was last year’s All Australian tap specialist and the duo’s battle at Optus Stadium on Saturday will be pivotal in the result of the game.
“I’m looking forward to seeing that, I’m pretty sure everyone else is,” Buckley said.
“I’ve got great respect for Nic Naitanui and what he’s been able to do. And his season this year has justified him as the All Australian ruckman.
(Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
“Our boy (Grundy) is a ripper. We couldn’t love him any more. He’s heart and soul.
“So the two boys will go to town on each other and I’m looking forward to the contest. It’s probably a bit of a sidebar to the contest as well, but a big one at that.”
Another key match-up will be the likely battle between Eagles defender Brad Sheppard and Collingwood X-factor Jordan de Goey.
De Goey’s last appearance in Perth was a match-winning five-goal effort in the wet against Geelong in Round 7. But he will face a tough battle against Sheppard, who earned his first All Australian jersey this year.
“He’s a very good player, an A-grade game changer,” Eagles coach Adam Simpson said of De Goey.
“We like to think we’ve got a pretty good defence that should be able to match it. But he can turn a game in five minutes.”
West Coast have been bolstered by the return of Jeremy McGovern, Jack Redden, Jamie Cripps and Luke Shuey.
Collingwood recalled Chris Mayne and Darcy Cameron.
The Eagles thrashed Collingwood by 66 points in Round 8 this season, but the Magpies were without Scott Pendlebury and De Goey that day.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Thanks Hub! Saints looking good too atm
Eagles 18
Roar Rookie
Definitely the most important battle tonight in my opinion. Natanui has been 1st class this year, Grundy although not a great year is still one the best ruckman in the game and capable doing damage tonight. Whoever gets on top will go a long way getting their team to the semi-finals
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
The only thing about the scoring is it's not normal. They aren't that bad and it'll have to turn some time.
Larry Longshaft
Roar Rookie
Could go either way, Eagles would be favourites no doubt but..... 2020
Maxy
Roar Rookie
I actually think collingwood can win pts,be alot closer than what people think,good luck
Klompy
Guest
:stoked: Nick Nait loves Cold Pies. He destroy them each time. All Nick wants is A couple of tall cold pies to Eat Like right Now.
peter chrisp
Guest
After reading Matt Rendell's comments i would have to agree defense is quite ok. But forward line and our inability to score heavily is quite poor. And today's game should be quite good too.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Still hopeful but West Coast at home with those guns back? Pies not scoring enough. We’ve lost ability to score. Unfortunately Rendell was partially right in that even when we win we are always under threat due to our low score. It means opposition are always in the game.
Larry Longshaft
Roar Rookie
You tipped the Tigers and they lost, so I’m tipping Pies by 13 :thumbup:
peter chrisp
Guest
Pete you are being very generous 41 points for me.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Eagles by 26
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
No Doc, he can’t
Klompy
Guest
Cold Pies, Cold Pies, Get your cold Pies at Optus Stadium, before 9.30pm Cold Pies get put in Dustbin. Cold Pies get your Cold Pies, Cold Pies Cold Pies..
Blitz
Guest
Fair comment about Nic and Brody PTS. They’ve played 4 times since Nic did his 1st knee and Nic has owned him 3 times and took the points in the 4th but Grundy still had a pretty good game ie it was more even than the other occasions. I’m expecting Grundy and your boys to put in a good performance but I’m hoping that my boys can get it done. Good luck!
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
I did suggest Cameron... Can he handle Barrass?
Larry Longshaft
Roar Rookie
What’s your prediction for the game, Pete?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Nic Nat has owned Grundy of late. Grundy is at his best when doing inside mid work as well as ruck but for some reason he has sat off that this year and been less effective as a result. No second chances now so he has to go hard from the start. Cameron coming in is interesting as Nic Nat will make mince meat of him if he rucks.