BRODIE GRUNDY ANNOUNCES STUNNING RETURN TO COLLINGWOOD FOOTBALL CLUB
BRODIE GRUNDY ANNOUNCES STUNNING RETURN TO COLLINGWOOD FOOTBALL CLUB
— In a dramatic twist that has thrilled the Magpie Army, Brodie Grundy, the former Collingwood ruckman and fans’ favourite, has officially announced his return to the club where he became one of the AFL’s most dominant figures.
Grundy, now 31, signed a two-year deal with Collingwood Football Club earlier today, marking a remarkable homecoming after three seasons away. The announcement was made at the Holden Centre in front of media, fans, and current players — and the reception was nothing short of electric.
“I NEVER STOPPED BEING A MAGPIE AT HEART”
Grundy, who played 177 games for Collingwood between 2013 and 2022, became a household name and a two-time All-Australian during his time in black and white. His exit in 2022, prompted by salary cap constraints, left many fans heartbroken — a sentiment he openly acknowledged during today’s press conference.
> “I never stopped being a Magpie at heart,” Grundy said, visibly emotional. “This club helped shape who I am — not just as a footballer, but as a person. I’m grateful for the opportunity to come home and finish what we started.”
A JOURNEY THROUGH ADVERSITY
After leaving Collingwood, Grundy played briefly with Melbourne in 2023, where he struggled to secure a consistent ruck role alongside Max Gawn. The following year, he was traded to the Sydney Swans, where he rejuvenated his career, becoming a key part of their midfield structure and playing his 200th AFL game.
Despite finding form in Sydney, Grundy admitted the thought of returning to Collingwood never truly left him.
> “There were moments over the last couple of years when I’d be watching the Pies play, and something in me just missed that connection. When the opportunity came up, it was an easy decision.”
MAGPIES BOLSTER RUCK DEPTH WITH EXPERIENCED VETERAN
Collingwood’s football boss Graham Wright confirmed the club pursued Grundy to add both depth and experience to its ruck stocks.
> “Brodie is an elite competitor and a proven performer. His leadership and presence will be invaluable for our young group,” Wright said. “We know how much he means to this club and its supporters.”
The Pies are expected to use Grundy alongside Darcy Cameron, offering flexibility and a strong one-two punch in the ruck, especially with finals aspirations high following their deep 2024 campaign.
FAN REACTION: “HE’S ONE OF US”
News of Grundy’s return lit up social media, with Collingwood fans flooding the club’s Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) pages with celebratory messages.
> “HE’S BACK!!! Grundy in black and white again. Feels right,” one fan posted.
“The big man is home — premiership incoming,” another wrote.
Outside the Holden Centre, a group of long-time members unfurled a handmade banner reading “Welcome Back Brodie – Forever a Pie.”
LOOKING AHEAD: “IT’S ABOUT LEGACY NOW”
When asked about his goals for the next chapter of his Collingwood journey, Grundy was clear:
> “It’s about legacy now. I want to contribute on and off the field. Whether I’m rucking, mentoring, or helping the younger boys find their voice, I’m here to serve the club.”
Grundy has also been involved in community and academic pursuits, holding a degree in Health Sciences and mentoring aspiring athletes on mental resilience — areas he hopes to integrate into his work at Collingwood.
FULL CIRCLE
Brodie Grundy’s return marks a full-circle moment for one of Collingwood’s modern greats. From his breakout seasons and Brownlow contention years to his unexpected departure and now this triumphant homecoming, his story is one of loyalty, resilience, and unfinished business.
As the Magpies prepare for the 2025 season, one thing is certain: with Brodie Grundy back in black and white, the fire in the Collingwood engine room just got a whole lot hotter.
