Initially lost in the shadows cast by legendary forwards Barry Hall and Michael O’Loughlin, Heath Grundy makes his 100th AFL appearance as one of Sydney’s most dependable defenders.
After almost six and a half seasons, Grundy reaches his milestone on Sunday at the SCG against the Bulldogs in a game coach John Longmire says is critical to the Swans’ season.
A win is vital for Sydney, who have lost three of their last four after starting the season with five straight wins.
“It’s an important game for us, against a team that is really strong in the contest, like the Bulldogs have been particularly over the last month,” coach John Longmire told reporters on Friday.
“It’s a critical game for us to make sure that we bounce back.”
Grundy, who turns 26 on Sunday, has emerged as a key member of the backline after struggling to establish himself up forward early in his career.
“Now I prefer to play down there, it suits me better, I play my best footy down there, so I think I’ll be staying there,” Grundy told reporters.
“A few times I questioned myself on whether I would be able to cement a spot in the team.
“But the last few years I’ve definitely done that and been able to finally play 100, which is really exciting.”
“It’s not until this week it’s really hit home.”
Grundy found his niche in defence after struggling to make his mark alongside two of the greatest forwards in the club’s history.
“He was up there with O’Loughlin and Hall, a couple of massive big personalities that probably told him to get out of the way most of the time and probably fair enough too,” Longmire said.
“He was able to kick goals at different times and did quite well, but it wasn’t until he was moved down to defence that he was really able to establish himself as a consistent player.
“He’s played on some of the best players in the competition as has Ted Richards.”
Longmire was confident Sydney would regain the fire in the belly needed to quell the Bulldogs’ trademark tenacity.
“To the group’s credit, they have been pretty good at that over a fair period bit of time, ” Longmire said.
“It’s just a matter that if you do lapse one or two weeks that you get it back pretty quickly.”
Ruckman Shane Mumford will be given until Saturday to prove his fitness after missing the last six games following back surgery.