Brodie Grundy’s stunning AFL debut has made him Collingwood’s No.1 ruck option after just four games.
With Darren Jolly returning from injury, the 19-year-old has starred for the Magpies over the last month.
Jolly made a successful return in the VFL last weekend and could be back in the senior side for Friday night’s game against West Coast.
“To be honest, Brodie is our No.1 ruckman right now – the way he’s performed over the last month has been exceptional,” said coach Nathan Buckley.
“That doesn’t discount the fact that both of them (Grundy and Jolly) can play together.”
It is unusual for a teenage ruckman to make such a strong and immediate impression in the AFL.
“His footy is doing the talking … you guys are all seeing what he’s doing,” Buckley said.
“He’s been able to rise to the challenge, week after week, continually.
“He seems to be getting better every week.
“He keeps backing up, he keeps performing.
“He’s a pretty level-headed kid and he’s hungry – he’s hungry to improve.”
Should Jolly return, it is likely to be at the expense of ruck-forward Quinten Lynch.
Asked if Grundy, Jolly and Lynch could all play in the same side, Buckley said “categorically not” unless another tall forward went out of the team.
Buckley added Lynch had a quiet game in last Friday night’s loss to Hawthorn.