Done Deal:Brodie Grundy has signed a seven-year, multi-million-dollar contract to stay with the Magpies.
Grundy’s desire for a long-term contract has been fulfilled by the Pies, who have locked in their lucky ruck until 2027, despite the threat of free agency at the conclusion of 2020. At only 25, Grundy, a two-time All Australian, has made a name for himself as one of the game’s top big men and, in theory, still has his best footballing years ahead of him.
He will be among the highest-paid ruckmen in the history of the game, earning close to $1 million annually. “Clearly, it was a crucial decision at this age and place in my career,” Grundy stated.
“I decided on what I think is best for all of those connections, needs, and hobbies after giving careful thought to everything that matters most to me, including my football, my goals, my life outside of the game, my family, friends, teammates, and the football club.
“I want to be able to find the very best version of myself, as a person and a footballer, but I also want to contribute to the greater good, to the entire. I know that, in a football sense at least, what Bucks and the gang are establishing is a cause worth continuing to support in enthusiastically.
The Pies’ management and supporters, who would have known that Adelaide was interested in luring the South Australian home, would undoubtedly be thrilled by the deal.
However, at a time when several crucial contract choices are approaching, it also signifies a substantial commitment for Collingwood.
Both Jordan De Goey and Darcy Moore, two important young players, have contracts expiring at the end of 2020 and will understandably be searching for deals in the same market as Grundy’s. In the past, Collingwood has been reluctant to offer contracts longer than five years, but this will no longer be the case.
Given that Scott Pendlebury’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign, other teams will be keeping a careful eye on De Goey and Moore’s circumstances.
With Moore as a vital defender and intercept marker and De Goey as an explosive medium-sized forward with potential for more substantial midfield action, the 23-year-olds are two of the AFL’s best players in their respective positions.
Both will probably want annual salaries of up to $800,000, which would severely restrict Collingwood’s salary ceiling. During last year’s trade window, the Magpies permitted James Aish to join Fremantle; however, with players like Taylor Adams, Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom, and Pendlebury on big contracts, more
