Sydney ruckman Brodie Grundy has revealed he was stung by a jellyfish on the morning of Thursday night’s AFL season opener against Melbourne.
Grundy produced a starring performance in his first match as a Swan, leading his side to a stirring 22-point victory over the Demons.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Grundy speaks to Channel 7.
Stream analysis, local footy and the biggest moments free on 7plus
The 29-year-old dominated his former teammate and six-time All-Australian Max Gawn, but what made his performance even more remarkable was it came after a nasty incident earlier in the day.
Grundy’s ear was completely swollen after he was stung by a bluebottle jellyfish while going for a morning swim.
“It’s absolutely the worst pain I have ever felt. Don’t wish that upon anyone,” Grundy told Channel 7 after the game.
The victory capped a remarkable 18 months for Grundy, who was traded from Collingwood to Melbourne before moving again after just 12 months at the Demons.
He finished last year in the VFL, but showed his worth in leading the ruck for the Swans in his first game.
“It’s great to be back out doing what I love, playing footy,” he told Channel 7.
“So, yeah, I won’t take it for granted. It’s great to be back out at senior level.”
Grundy was happy with his performance, but knows it’s just one ahead of a long season.
“I try to take it with a grain of salt. It’s only one week,” he said.
“Next week it’s Collingwood. It’s a long season.
“The really elite players are able to do that consistently. I’m happy with my performance tonight, but it’s a long year.”
Sydney piled on four consecutive goals at the start of the final term to seal a 12.14 (86) to 9.10 (64) triumph in front of 40,012 fans at a sold-out SCG on Thursday night.
Isaac Heeney stepped up in a Swans midfield missing injured guns Callum Mills, Luke Parker and Taylor Adams, tallying 26 disposals, 18 contested possessions, one goal and a career-best 13 clearances.
Chad Warner (26 touches, one goal) and Nick Blakey (26 possessions) were also busy, while Hayden McLean and Will Hayward booted two goals each.
Bayley Fritsch booted three goals in the third quarter to briefly give the visitors the lead – and finished with four – before they faded late in warm and slippery conditions.
Steven May was brilliant in defence but the Demons’ scoring issues at the other end – a point of focus over summer – again reared their ugly head.
They managed just 2.8 from 29 forward entries in the first half.
Jack Viney (31 disposals, seven clearances, two goals) and Christian Salem (27 touches) fought hard against the tide for Melbourne and Clayton Oliver (29 disposals, six clearances) did well in his first senior game after a turbulent off-season.
– With AAP