Leadership was far from the mind of young Heath Grundy back in 2004, when the Sydney Swans took a punt on the then promising forward.
Around that time the Swans boasted leaders such as Stuart Maxfield and Brett Kirk, the same men widely acknowledged for spearheading the culture that shaped the Club’s recent period of success.
Before 2009, the season when it all came together for the South Australian, no one would have foreseen the gradual but significant development which has since rewarded Grundy with 187 games of senior football and a permanent place in the Swans’ defence.
And now a well-earned position in the Swans’ leadership group for season 2016.
“We’re highly regarded our club. We’ve had some really terrific leaders over many, many years now,” Grundy said
“It probably started in 2002-2003. I remember when I first moved to the club and those guys were such professionals and strong leaders. I probably never thought I’d see myself there.
“It has taken a long time but to finally get there, it’s an honour and hopefully I can lead in the right way.”
Grundy’s apprenticeship has been one of patience and persistence.
Those initial years of trying to break into a premiership-winning forward line would be overshadowed by the split decision from Paul Roos to switch him to defence – a move which would prove career-defining.
Patience and persistence has also underscored Grundy’s approach to earning the respect of his peers and, in turn, a spot in the leadership group.
“Naturally you slowly develop as a leader,” Grundy added.
“I just went with what I thought was important for the team to get better and what I needed to do to get better as a player and I guess it developed from there.
“There’s no better way to be looked at than (respected by) your peers … it was a shock but it’s exciting.”
Grundy joins Dane Rampe and Dan Hannebery as the newest members of the leadership group, which already consisted of Jarrad McVeigh, Kieren Jack, Luke Parker, Josh Kennedy and Nick Smith.
McVeigh and Jack will serve their fourth season as co-captains.
