Heath Grundy was a key figure in a solid defensive unit for the Swans throughout the majority of 2011.

Grundy held down centre half-back for 20 of the Swans 24 games for the season, but unfortunately for him - and all Swans fans - he was struck down by glandular fever on the eve of the finals and was unable to feature following the Swans historic win over Geelong in round 23.

Reg, as he is commonly known, regularly featured on SwansTV courtesy of his desperate defensive work, including his game-saving mark against North Melbourne in round 10 and his full-body smother on Adelaide's Bernie Vince during a frantic final quarter in round 15.

Reg caught up with sydneyswans.com.au to discuss his year and the difficulty of watching the finals from the sidelines.

How do you rate your season, which was consistent until you got sick?

I was fairly consistent and then in the last couple of games I played, I was a bit crook but didn’t know what it was. But I guess I was lucky to play about 20 games - it could have happened earlier in the mid year and I would have missed five or six matches.

I think I actually got sick before the round 22 game against St Kilda. I nearly missed that game because I was ill the night before but felt alright in the morning.  So I struggled against them and then against Geelong the next week. I just had no energy and it was so hard to get through the week because I was so tired. I had a flu that I just couldn’t shake and I was getting worse and I knew something wasn’t right.  I had my blood test after that and that was when we realised. At least I knew then why I was struggling.

It must have been difficult to miss the finals?

I was obviously disappointed but I thought we were a chance to go a long way into September so I was doing everything to make sure I would be ready for the preliminary final if we’d made it that far. I was feeling really good by the time of the Hawthorn semi final so I was excited that we might get through and I could play the next week. It wasn’t to be, and it was frustrating but that is what happens sometimes.

What was the highlight of the season?

For me it was the win in Geelong. I haven’t beaten them since I’ve been playing. That win gave the boys confidence and it was nice to walk off the ground and see their heads down and not ours for a change. That gives us plenty of drive for next year that we can do well.

Who impressed you this year?

Teddy has had a really good year. He was back in the reserves in 2010 and struggling for form, and this year he was top five in our best and fairest. He was really consistent and he had some big jobs down back. Josh Kennedy was solid all year, and a lot of guys had consistent seasons. Nick Smith also did really well this year and of course Goodesy had a great year.

You mentioned Ted and Nick, and the defensive unit as a whole was strong this year.

The back six was pretty solid all year. Alex Johnson had a good year for his first season, he slid in to the side as the third tall defender and played on some strong players. We are a pretty tight group down there, don’t worry about that! There shouldn’t be too many changes in our defence next year which will be great.

I’m just looking forward to a break and getting healthy so I can come back in good shape for those four weeks of pre-season before Christmas.