SYDNEY Swans defender Heath Grundy was relieved to finally "get back in the groove" against Collingwood on his return from suspension, just in time for an almighty task in Saturday's AFL Grand Final.

Having missed last year's two finals matches due to a bout of glandular fever, Grundy then sat out the Swans' qualifying final victory against Adelaide due to a needless suspension suffered against Geelong in round 23.

He returned in time to see out an epic battle against Collingwood spearhead Travis Cloke on Friday night, conceding three goals while also putting in a number of spoils.

With the Swans' defensive unit set the task of quelling Buddy Franklin, Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead and company in Saturday's decider, Grundy's chance to run out the cobwebs against the Pies was critical.

"I was lucky I only got the week (suspension) and it's great to be able to get back involved and I loved every minute of being out there with the boys and getting back in the groove," Grundy said.

"You have to enjoy the moment, but we still haven't finished the job yet.

"We have one more week and have to concentrate on that and hopefully we can celebrate at the end of it if everything goes to plan."

One man who was more than pleased to have Grundy back in his line-up was Swans coach John Longmire.

Asked if Grundy should improve this week after ending a two-week stint without a game, Longmire replied: "Yeah, I think so.

"He missed a couple of weeks and he got back in [against Collingwood] having missed a couple of year of finals.

"It was good for him to come back in and play and get used to that.

"Cloke is an absolute gun and to be able to play on him in a final was a big thing for Heath."

Ted Richards is battling a rolled ankle he suffered against the Pies and will be doing everything he can to ensure he take his place in the backline against the Hawks at the MCG.

After his finals disappointment last year, Grundy is still getting his head around the fact he will be playing in a Grand Final.

"It hasn't sunk in yet, it's a bit surreal," he said.

"We played pretty well against Collingwood, we just couldn't kick straight, and it was still pretty close in the end.

"The boys stuck at it and it we came away with the win.

"I think it will slowly start to sink in and I'm so stoked."

James Dampney is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD