Former Adelaide leading goalkicker Josh Jenkins has outlined how he thinks Brodie Grundy could fit into the Melbourne side from 2023.
The 28-year-old has established himself as one of the premier ruckmen in the comp over 177 games at Collingwood but has been linked to a possible trade out of the club in recent weeks.
Melbourne has firmed as the favourite to secure the signature, although, many have questioned how Grundy and six-time All Australian Max Gawn can work in tandem.
Jenkins says the Demons should consider alternatives to the traditional forward-resting second ruck.
“I think they’ll have some plans in place, they’re not just going to get him and then suddenly work out how they’re going to use him,” he said.
“I think there might be some front half and back half stuff with those two. So Max might be the front-half ruckman and Brodie might be the behind-the-ball ruckman.
“When they’re in the ruck, they’re both dominant but we can get a little bit of both by having them as a front half and back half ruckman rather than having one of them rest as a forward because neither of them are very good forwards.”
Despite signing a seven-year contract that ties him to the Magpies until the end of 2027, Collingwood would be willing to pay some of the remaining five years' salary should the Demons secure his signature.
The Magpies are also yet to re-sign star midfielder Jordan De Goey as a contract offer has been tabled for some time, however, it is believed the 26-year-old will choose to remain at the club.
Brodie Grundy managed just six games in 2022 due to a stress fracture in his ankle, but the Pies have managed a top-four finish and travel to the SCG to play Sydney on Saturday evening for a spot in the Grand Final.