Sydney coach Dean Cox is looking forward to celebrating ruck Brodie Grundy in his 250th game on Sunday afternoon.
One of the form rucks of the competition across the past 12 months, he will bring up his milestone against generational ruck and former teammate Max Gawn in a salivating top four clash.
“It'll be an unbelievable match-up. There's a couple of great rucks going around in (Luke) Jackson and the like but these two have been at the top of their game for a long time. It's a really exciting battle," Cox said.
“Brodie knows a little bit about Max and vice versa. They'll back themselves to play the way they need to and they deserve to be spoken about and they have a big say in what the team does.”
Cox also praised Grundy's attention to detail, which has enabled him to maintain a high benchmark amid rule changes and attention from opposition players.
Speaking to the media earlier in the week about the impact Dean Cox has had on him, helping him fall in love with the role again, the Sydney coach revealed his hand in getting Grundy to the club.
“I walked off the training track and answered a phone call – that's how excited I was. Middle of a training session,” Cox said.
“I tried to ring him before the session and it was during the session and I got the approval to walk off the track and have the conversation.
“Ever since then and understanding what he could do and what he's done previous to being here. And the person he is, he's genuine, he fits in really well with everyone at the footy club. The footy is a big part but he's added on and off the field immensely.”
The coach also addressed the form of Logan McDonald, who has averaged 10 disposals and kicked nine goals across seven games, and had just five touches last week.
“We've spoken to Logan about the way he's performing and some areas we think he can work on," Cox said.
“It's really important he's part of a group and Hayden McLean if he plays is part of a group as well and the ability to make sure that what works best for us from the dynamic of a football club with the individual pieces within that.
“We've spoken at length with Logan like Joel (Amartey) and Charlie (Curnow) about the expectation we have and the role he needs to play and he was quieter last week no doubt, so that's part of the discussions we have to have.”
