Sydney’s AFL trip to New Zealand has led defender Heath Grundy into a family reunion.

The Swans arrived in Wellington on Monday for the AFL’s first premiership season match outside Australia, against St Kilda on Thursday night.

It’s Grundy’s first visit to New Zealand.

But it’s given his mum, Lynn, who moved to Australia with her family as a child, a good excuse to return to her native country, along with her mother.

Other relatives from various parts of New Zealand are also heading to Wellington.

All up, about 30 of Grundy’s family and friends from both sides of the Tasman Sea will attend the game.

One uncle, who works at Wellington Airport, surprised the Swans defender by greeting him on arrival.

“There are a bit of family who have been over here the whole time who are coming to the game, their first AFL game, which is exciting,” Grundy told reporters.

“I think they’re really looking forward to it.

“And this is the first time I’ve been to New Zealand so I’m really looking forward to catching up with them.”

Grundy said the trip made a nice change from the normal in-season routine.

But while some players have brought partners and children and there is expected to be a festive atmosphere at the match, they won’t be forgetting the main purpose of their visit.

“We’re here to play a strong game of footy for four points and we’ve got a job to do, it’s not a holiday,” he said.

Grundy said Sydney had to rediscover their “trademark footy”, the fierce defensive pressure that lapsed against Geelong last Friday night.

The backman expects to spend time on Saints skipper Nick Riewoldt, who will become even more important for St Kilda given they have lost fellow marking target Beau Maister to a wrist injury.

“It’s unfortunate for him but obviously Riewoldt’s still a solid player and they’ve got some good young talent up there as well,” Grundy said.