Swans ruckman Brodie Grundy has faith Sydney's disappointing 2025 campaign will quickly be avenged with a strong 2026, pointing toward the impact of one of the AFL's emerging elite talents as a key reason why.
Sydney's slow start to 2025, which saw them cross the halfway point of the year with a 4-8 record, was almost stunningly reversed with an 8-3 finish, ultimately missing out on September action by 12 premiership points with a 12-11 record.
That end of season momentum, however, is something Grundy believes will be carried into next season, especially if star midfielder Errol Gulden remains fully healthy.
"I'd have to say Errol Gulden [helped turn the season around] for sure," Grundy told SwansTV.
"He had a really big impact when he came back into the side which was awesome to see.
"He was a real connector and a glue guy in between our forward and back half. The way he uses the ball made us a better team.
"It was a testament to him and the way he attacked his rehab. His professionalism to come in and have the impact he had when he came back into the side was huge."
Gulden returned from a significant ankle injury in Round 15 and his impact on the Swans was instantaneous.
In 10 games, the 23-year-old averaged 26.6 disposals per game at 71.4% efficiency, both near career-bests, and was demonstrative on the scoreboard, averaging 6.3 score involvements. Only Isaac Heeney averaged more for the Swans in 2025 (6.9).
But Gulden's continued development as one of the league's best is just one positive Grundy sees from the latter half of Sydney's season, and believes that truth will fuel the group's hunger to bounce back in 2026.
"It was disappointing to not make Finals and as a team we're really hurting," Grundy said.
"It's unusual and feels a little bit hollow finishing up in August. But if you look closer, there was some real positives out of this season."
