Brodie Grundy is the biggest recruit to the Swans this off-season and is relishing the chance to shine in the Harbour City. Ahead of his twelfth season in the AFL and his first in the red and white, the 29-year old star ruckman spoke candidly with ABC Listen’s Matt Preston and Catherine Murphy on the Cat and Matt Show as to why positive affirmation is the fuel to his success.
Since making his debut in 2013 Brodie Grundy has played 194 AFL games and featured in four finals campaigns. In 2018 and 2019 the star ruckman was named an All-Australian and in the same year earned the Copeland Trophy – Collingwood’s Best and Fairest award.
There are many attributes to an athlete’s success and for Grundy his early achievement was one of mindset.
Speaking to ABC’s the Cat and Matt Show the 29-year-old was questioned on his approach to positive affirmations and the art of manifestation.
“If you in your heart don’t believe you’re capable of great things or achieving your goals, then it becomes very difficult,” Grundy responded.
Focussing on its relevance to football he shared a spot of wisdom for young aspiring athletes.
“When you’re coming through and you’re 18, 19, 20 [years-old] and you’re playing against senior, mature men, you have to constantly remind yourself that you’re a dog in the fight and you’ve got to keep backing yourself.”
Grundy will pass this wisdom on firsthand to the next generation of young Sydney ruckmen. 23-year old Lachlan McAndrew, who made his AFL debut in Round 10 of the 2023 season, and 18-year old draftee Will Green are just two young rucks who will no doubt be sponges to all Grundy can offer them in their developing years.
Grundy is also keen to continue to build on his own game and will learn plenty from AFL Hall of Famer and current Swans Assistant Coach, Dean Cox, a man who Grundy has previously said is his idol.
Speaking to Sydney Swans Media on his first day at the club late last year he said:
“Just because I came to Sydney I'm not going to be a perfect, finished product. My commitment is always going to be continuing to try and get better.”
"A big part of that commitment is coming to this side, seeking a fresh opportunity and continuing to grow as a player."
Now at home in Sydney, Grundy is enjoying all that the Sydney lifestyle has to offer with his new fiancé Rachel who he proposed to in December.
“It’s beautiful. The weather is so conducive to wellness if that makes sense. You’re getting up at 6am, jump down and go for a swim in the ocean. The ocean is 23 or 24 degrees. You feel good,” Grundy said.
Grundy also told ABC listeners about the immediate impression the club had left on him after initial meetings about a possible relocation.
“There was the big power brokers in there (the room), the Senior Coach, the CEO, the GM of Football and you would just not have known the sort of status and hierarchy in that room, it was so personable,” Grundy said.
“It is very much a people-first football club. It felt so safe already and I hadn’t played any games for the Swans.
“When we (he and fiance Rachel) left that meeting we thought, ‘Wow, this is a special place.’ We went down the worm hole and learnt more about the coach and what the club stood for and looked at the broader piece around the lifestyle and leaning into that we thought, ‘Why not? Life is too short. Let’s change it up.’
To listen to the full interview click HERE.
Grundy will face his old side on Opening Night when the Swans take on the Melbourne Demons at the SCG on Thursday, March 7 to kick off the 2024 season. Secure your tickets HERE.
