Adam Goodes now knows first-hand exactly why Heath Grundy was named the Club’s Most Improved Player in 2009.

Goodes and Grundy have been staging a fantastic battle during most of the pre-season practice games over the past month, and Goodes believes it will a big benefit to both of them when it comes to the real thing.

The dual Brownlow Medallist is getting used to playing as a key target in attack, and right beside him has been 23-year-old Grundy, who is set to hold down a key defensive post this season.

“Heath has been playing really well,’’ Goodes said. “There have been times when it’s been hard for me to even touch the football, he’s been so tightly manned-up on me, which is good.

“You think you have a couple of metres on him and his closing speed is really good and he can jump high and he we know how well he can mark.

“I’ve been telling him after every match-up what he is doing well and what he needs to improve and it really gives us the opportunity to be the best we can be this year.’’

Goodes was rested from Friday’s practice match, while Grundy again played well in defence.

Goodes has also enjoyed playing against Ted Richards during the pre-season as the two defenders take turns on him.

“It has been a great contest with Teddy Richards and Heath Grundy and myself. It has given me a great understanding of how much I need to improve in my one-on-one contests,’’ Goodes said.

“They are both fantastic defenders and one thing Teddy and Heath are both doing really well is their bodywork off the ball. So before the ball is even a kick away they are really into me, pushing me into an area where they know I can’t get the football, and that’s really smart by them.

“I keep encouraging them to do that because it is a win for them. If they can do that against a Jonathan Brown or a Nick Riewoldt it is a massive plus.’’

Grundy and Richards have also both given Goodes advice on ways to elude opposition defenders. “One thing they said is that when I’m constantly on the move they find it hard to defend me, and when I’m moving sideways they find it hard to pick me up on the lead. But as soon as I’m standing still, it is easy to defend me, they know where I am and they can run off me.

“It is about constant movement and that was something I had to work on towards the end of last year. When I’m moving, I’m keeping myself in the game and giving myself an opportunity to get the footy, but when I’m standing there not doing anything I can get into trouble.’’

After winning Brownlow Medals as an under-sized ruckman and a midfielder, Goodes is looking forward to making his mark for the team as a key forward. 

“It would be nice when my career is all done to say I was an established midfielder and I played in the ruck for a year and then went forward to hopefully kick some goals and help the team win more than we lose. On a rap sheet it would look nice.’’