Brodie Grundy has officially joined Melbourne, as Collingwood received pick 27 in the upcoming 2022 National Draft.
Brodie Grundy joins the Dees, per Cal Twomey 😈
— 7AFL (@7AFL) October 11, 2022
Details: https://t.co/jRx99WLRR3 pic.twitter.com/7pmPv92FXX
Grundy's move has been a long time in the making, with murmurs of a move circulating throughout the season.
The two-time All-Australian played only six games this season due to a knee injury which gave the Pies a new look consisting of Darcy Cameron, Mason Cox and Nathan Kreuger.
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However, what made this move so startling for black-and-white fans is the fact that Grundy is owed around $4.5 million over the next five seasons.
The 28-year-old signed a monster seven-year deal at the end of 2019 off the back of his second Copeland Trophy.
Grundy's move to the Demons means that the Pies will need to fork out some of his salary to play at a rival club which is an identical scenario to that of Adam Treloar at Western Bulldogs.
It is reported that Collingwood will be paying a portion of the South Australian's salary.
Despite Magpie fans' dismay, Melbourne supporters are excited to have secure another star ruckman after losing Luke Jackson to Fremantle on Monday.
The Demons are optimistic by the prospect that skipper Max Gawn and Grundy will combine to be a lethal mix.
Introducing the Tap Brothers. 👋
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) October 11, 2022
Ruck Work Worldwide.™ pic.twitter.com/lEgMo2MymV
The pair shared the premier ruckman mantle in 2018 and 2019, with the now ex-Pie believed to have changed the position, according to former assistance coach Brenton Sanderson.
“I just really rate him (Grundy). I know we haven’t seen the best of him in the last 18 months, but I think he changed the position (of ruck)", Sanderson said on SEN.
“Obviously he’s a ruckman, paramount number one, but he’s like another midfielder. When he’s in great form, yes, he wins hit-outs, but he just gets around the ground, he’s great at ground level, he’s such a competitor.
“When he’s at the peak of his fitness, he’s really hard to stop. If he gets back to that sort of form, I think he’s worth a lot more than that pick.
“I’m fascinated to see how Melbourne are going to use him and Max Gawn. Obviously they know something that we don’t in how they’re going to structure up in 2023.
“We know they are two elite ruckmen when they’re both in their prime. It really is a fascinating watch to see how this unfolds.”
However, Grundy's departure was softened by the third acquisition by Collingwood, adding Billy Frampton to the list.
Frampton comes across from Adelaide as a key defender and will be in place of the retired Jordan Roughead.
The 201cm utility has the ability to play in an array of positions.
Frampton expressed his gratitude for his time at the Crows and is excited by the new challenge.
“I’d like to thank the Adelaide Crows for my time at the Club and for coming to an arrangement with Collingwood,” Frampton said.
“The Pies are building something great and under the guidance of Craig McRae, I’m really looking forward to playing a role at Collingwood.”
Frampton joins Daniel McStay and Bobby Hill as players already secured by the club.
However, the Pies are still keen on bringing in Tom Mitchell and Brayden Fiorini to add to their midfield depth while Ollie Henry is still keen to get to Geelong.
