Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley downplayed fears star ruckman Brodie Grundy might be injured after his team’s thrilling win over the West Coast Eagles
Grundy was oddly benched during key moments in the Magpies’ second half ’12 4 (76) to 11 9 (75) win at Optus Stadium, raising concerns about his injury
The All-Australian double was benched to start the second half as well as in the final central rebound of the game, with Darcy Cameron preferred instead
To Grundy’s credit, he responded sensational in the second half, leading all players with eight contested possessions, despite only 52% playing time.
After the game, Buckley opened up about the decision, indicating that west coast ruckman Nick Naitanui’s dominance in the first half saw him overtake the Eagles star in the middle
« We wanted to keep Mason forward as much as possible and we also thought Nic was going to be a handful, and he turned out to be
« We thought Darcy Cameron his competition in the ruck was good He’s a natural ruckman and in the field game he was able to come down the line and help us in the air.
« We thought the balance was right to share the load between these two boys and keep the heat on a player who is an All-Australian ruckman this year for a reason »
Buckley said Grundy was « in great shape » and « ripe cherry to attack next week, » adding that the star man was more than happy to step back behind Cameron
« Brodie is a team man He is ready to do whatever it takes to get the team to come together and play, » he said
« He’s always had high expectations in himself and elite performers often set the bar high and at times that can be debilitating, but for Brodie he thrives there.
« It doesn’t matter what happened so far These are the opportunities that the great players present themselves for and Brodes is more than ready to contribute to his ability and as we ask to be really strong in a team effort «
Collingwood Football Club, Brodie Grundy, West Coast Eagles, Nathan Buckley, Nic Naitanui, Geelong Football Club, Ruckman, Mason Cox
World News – UA – Magpies Cut Down Problems of Grundy’s injury
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com