Swans ruckman Brodie Grundy says SCG may be slippery but not unsafe to play
The AFL has sent its own turf expert to Sydney, which was hit with a deluge of rain on Wednesday, to look at the surface that has failed to recover from a concert held at the ground in April.
After his players were caught slipping badly last Friday, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said the surface would get worse before it got better because of the weather hitting NSW and would be 'extremely slippery' on Sunday.
Longmuir, who watched last Friday's clash from the stands, didn't like what he saw and the Dockers have been in conversation with the AFL this week before heading to Sydney for a crucial clash with the Swans.
It was even reported that Venues NSW, which looks after the SCG, was possibly going to ask the Swans to not wear football boots for training this week to help it recover.
GWS captain Toby Greene also revealed that he wore metal studs during the round-8 derby at the venue because of the 'shocking' conditions, risking a $40,000 fine for players caught wearing prohibited studs.
The Swans moved this week's SCG training session to nearby Tramway Oval and while Grundy conceded the surface wasn't at its best last weekend, he said it wasn't unsafe.
'We play on it, well not every week, but train on it most weeks and have been for the last six to eight weeks,' he said on Wednesday.
'It's our home, so we're pretty used to it.
'Was it ideal? No, but I'm looking forward to playing there this week.'
Grundy said 'dewy' conditions contributed to the slipping last Friday.
'Looking back, there's little moments where people are slipping over and whatnot,' the star said.
'But that's going to happen when it's dewy and Friday night footy.
'I thought the contest, generally, was a real spectacle that I thought fans got to enjoy.
'And as a player, I certainly enjoy playing in that (sort of) game.'
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Sydney Morning Herald
18 minutes ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘If I did I'd probably get sacked': Bombers young gun Caddy on the risk behind that stunning goal
Everyone has seen Nate Caddy's goal against the Brisbane Lions in round 12 – an outrageous over-the-head kick that will take some beating for the AFL goal of the year award. But it was a moment against Sydney three rounds earlier that illustrated the teenage star's true value to Essendon. The excitement around the athletic key forward grows by the week and spots on the Caddy bandwagon are fast running out. That goal against the Lions was an instinctive moment, but it also allowed the Bombers to level the scores against the reigning premiers at the Gabba. That game was a season-best performance for Essendon that ended in defeat, but it was also a breakout game for the 193-centimetre Caddy, who was drafted to Tullamarine from Melbourne's nearby northern suburbs less than two years ago and just weeks ago put pen to paper on a two-year extension. Against the Swans, Caddy's gut-running was on full display in an eye-catching team goal by the Bombers – kicked by Caddy himself – after he first gathered the ball across half-back, before the Sherrin finished in his hands in the goal square. The passage of play stemmed from a facet of Caddy's game that he'd made a priority ahead of this season: improving his tank and making it one of his weapons. 'I think a real target point for me [this year] was being an elite runner,' Caddy told this masthead. The numbers show that he runs up to 15 kilometres per game. Caddy points out that in Essendon's most recent game – a loss to Fremantle at Optus Stadium in which the Bomber took another great hanger – he played every minute. 'I kind of come into the games [now] thinking that I can beat people for speed,' says Caddy. 'I try to think as a [personal motivation for me] that no one can stop me. 'That's how I think I can impact the game.' And Caddy's ability to impact games is why the plaudits are coming thick and fast. Comparisons with Geelong's aerobic dynamo and goal-kicking champion Jeremy Cameron are common. Kane Cornes says Caddy will be vying with Bulldogs phenom Sam Darcy for best-player-in-the-AFL status in five years, while Essendon legend James Hird poured out the superlatives as he dissected the passage of play involving Caddy against Sydney at Marvel Stadium. 'Watch him keep running to get himself into [the] play, and get in the goal square,' observed Hird on Nine's Footy Furnace. 'That's the work rate and the work ethic that gets you to be a star in the competition.' 'Winning the ball at half-back, running all the way down and getting a goal [near] the goal-line – that is elite running.' Ahead of his 25th game in the top flight, Caddy – who played junior footy with fellow Bomber Isaac Kako – is a focus of hope for long-suffering Essendon fans. Caddy told this masthead that he sees his long-term AFL future at Tullamarine. But he's also convinced that a two-year top-up to his initial deal, locking him in at Essendon until 2028, was the right call. 'I really liked my time at Essendon the last two years,' he said. 'To sort of go around and sign for another two more, [taking] me to the end of my fifth year, I'm really excited for what Essendon has to offer in the future. 'I think I can bring my strengths to help the club and push us in the right direction. The club have shown heaps of trust and faith in me over the time, so I had to repay them and get it done early, so there's no discussion or anything [about leaving].' Those with red-and-black blood in their veins can soak up the following words. 'I don't see myself at any other club but Essendon,' Caddy said. 'I really love the club, and it's where I see myself long-term. 'I'm not sure if Essendon would have been 100 per cent sure yet on a long-term deal, and would just [have instead preferred to] keep me on a short one for now. 'I still need to prove a lot more to be able to earn the trust to get a long contract.' The goal that kick-started the bandwagon Caddy's stunning goal against the Lions was the exclamation mark of an eye-catching third-quarter revival by the Bombers. They were pushing forward hard when Jade Gresham centred the ball from the pocket to Caddy lurking in the goal square. He pounced on the ground level ball and the rest is history. But the kick over his shoulder that levelled the scores wasn't pre-planned, or something he trained. It was entirely instinctive. Caddy is proud of the goal and, yes, he'd soak up any official recognition from the AFL. When asked about the possibility of it being adjudged goal of the year at the end of the season, Caddy's reply was immediate: 'hopefully'. 'It was just kind of an in-the-moment thing,' he said. 'I can't even explain it. 'I don't know what made me think to kick it [like that]. 'I just threw it over behind my head, and [it] went through and then I celebrated accordingly. '[But] oh no, no, I don't plan on kicking them over my head – if I did I'd probably get sacked, to be honest. 'And if I had missed that, I probably would have looked stupid, so luckily it went in.' In an era when kicks 'around the corner' at goal have become de rigueur, Caddy is conscious of focusing on the right routine for his set shots and his kicking in general play. 'I'm just trying to get as many reps in as possible – [to] keep it a really good routine,' Caddy says of his approach to goal-kicking. 'I'm still working on that and seeing what works best for me, [ensuring that] I'm really improving on that [part of my game]. 'My field kicking is something I work on a lot more as well... trying to improve that so that I can be a more dangerous AFL player and [so that] when I've got the ball in my hands I can be trusted with [it] by teammates.' 'I don't know what made me think to kick it [like that]. I just threw it over behind my head, and [it] went through and then I celebrated accordingly.' Nate Caddy on 'that' goal against the Lions A sponge for footy knowledge Only days away from turning 20, Caddy is one of the game's hottest properties. Essendon development coach and former Collingwood premiership player Travis Cloke is a strong influence, while Caddy also leans on the club's forwards assistant coach, Cam Roberts, and former Bombers big man Michael Hurley for advice. 'There's heaps of them, to be honest,' Caddy says, the enthusiasm in his voice obvious as he reflects on his trusted confidantes. It was a moment captured on live TV that illustrated Caddy's keenness to soak up information from those who've plied their trade at the top. Caddy had a post-game interview on Channel Seven in March featuring St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt. The pair had never met and the young Bomber, with the cameras still rolling, decided to hit up the hall of famer for some quick advice. Riewoldt quickly stepped aside and the two engaged in a chat about forward craft. 'I'm not sure how professional it was of me to … just walk off mid-interview to go and have a chat to the young fellow,' the St Kilda great said. Loading 'We spoke about some simple key bodywork stuff in marking contests. Like it was pretty granular. 'We've exchanged numbers – we'll catch up and have coffee.' Caddy is happy he made the first move. 'I just had a few things I wanted to ask him, and he's been really good post that [moment] as well,' the young Bomber said. 'He's obviously a really good player, and, you know, someone I really look up to because he was kind of a similar player to what I am. Caddy's willingness to be a sponge for knowledge on all things footy doesn't go unnoticed. One industry figure who's been keenly watching Caddy's career, who spoke anonymously to speak freely, said the young Bomber was constantly looking for improvement. 'Usually it takes them [footballers] until they're 22 to work that out,' the figure said. 'He's not too confident to not take counsel, if that makes sense, which just puts him in wonderful, wonderful stead.' The Kako combination The red-and-black fraternity have gone 25 years without a flag. A decade ago, they endured the drugs scandal. But having the likes of Caddy and Kako on the list has helped deliver fresh hope. 'Yeah, we're good mates,' Caddy says of his forward-line sidekick. 'We went to school together, played school footy together. We knew that once I got drafted to Essendon that we'd be teammates, because he was an Essendon NGA [next generation academy] player. 'We've also got Zak Johnson [another player who also went to Parade College]. 'We've got all three of us that are playing consistent AFL footy … from the same high school team at least two years ago. 'It's pretty cool.' Managing the hype With the hope of what Caddy could become comes the increased scrutiny and expectation – a tough juggling act for any player to manage. 'Yeah, yeah I see it,' Caddy says of the attention. Loading 'It obviously chops and changes when you have good and bad weeks. 'I'm not a pin-up boy for when everything goes wrong just yet. 'That might happen in the future, but hopefully not.' Caddy's eyes are firmly focused on the main target ahead of him – making the most of his potential to be one of the game's biggest stars. 'I've obviously got a lot to learn, and I'm the first to admit that,' he said. '[But I'm] just learning as I go, and just kind of slowly working out what works for me and how I can be a damaging AFL player.'
The Age
18 minutes ago
- The Age
‘If I did I'd probably get sacked': Bombers young gun Caddy on the risk behind that stunning goal
Everyone has seen Nate Caddy's goal against the Brisbane Lions in round 12 – an outrageous over-the-head kick that will take some beating for the AFL goal of the year award. But it was a moment against Sydney three rounds earlier that illustrated the teenage star's true value to Essendon. The excitement around the athletic key forward grows by the week and spots on the Caddy bandwagon are fast running out. That goal against the Lions was an instinctive moment, but it also allowed the Bombers to level the scores against the reigning premiers at the Gabba. That game was a season-best performance for Essendon that ended in defeat, but it was also a breakout game for the 193-centimetre Caddy, who was drafted to Tullamarine from Melbourne's nearby northern suburbs less than two years ago and just weeks ago put pen to paper on a two-year extension. Against the Swans, Caddy's gut-running was on full display in an eye-catching team goal by the Bombers – kicked by Caddy himself – after he first gathered the ball across half-back, before the Sherrin finished in his hands in the goal square. The passage of play stemmed from a facet of Caddy's game that he'd made a priority ahead of this season: improving his tank and making it one of his weapons. 'I think a real target point for me [this year] was being an elite runner,' Caddy told this masthead. The numbers show that he runs up to 15 kilometres per game. Caddy points out that in Essendon's most recent game – a loss to Fremantle at Optus Stadium in which the Bomber took another great hanger – he played every minute. 'I kind of come into the games [now] thinking that I can beat people for speed,' says Caddy. 'I try to think as a [personal motivation for me] that no one can stop me. 'That's how I think I can impact the game.' And Caddy's ability to impact games is why the plaudits are coming thick and fast. Comparisons with Geelong's aerobic dynamo and goal-kicking champion Jeremy Cameron are common. Kane Cornes says Caddy will be vying with Bulldogs phenom Sam Darcy for best-player-in-the-AFL status in five years, while Essendon legend James Hird poured out the superlatives as he dissected the passage of play involving Caddy against Sydney at Marvel Stadium. 'Watch him keep running to get himself into [the] play, and get in the goal square,' observed Hird on Nine's Footy Furnace. 'That's the work rate and the work ethic that gets you to be a star in the competition.' 'Winning the ball at half-back, running all the way down and getting a goal [near] the goal-line – that is elite running.' Ahead of his 25th game in the top flight, Caddy – who played junior footy with fellow Bomber Isaac Kako – is a focus of hope for long-suffering Essendon fans. Caddy told this masthead that he sees his long-term AFL future at Tullamarine. But he's also convinced that a two-year top-up to his initial deal, locking him in at Essendon until 2028, was the right call. 'I really liked my time at Essendon the last two years,' he said. 'To sort of go around and sign for another two more, [taking] me to the end of my fifth year, I'm really excited for what Essendon has to offer in the future. 'I think I can bring my strengths to help the club and push us in the right direction. The club have shown heaps of trust and faith in me over the time, so I had to repay them and get it done early, so there's no discussion or anything [about leaving].' Those with red-and-black blood in their veins can soak up the following words. 'I don't see myself at any other club but Essendon,' Caddy said. 'I really love the club, and it's where I see myself long-term. 'I'm not sure if Essendon would have been 100 per cent sure yet on a long-term deal, and would just [have instead preferred to] keep me on a short one for now. 'I still need to prove a lot more to be able to earn the trust to get a long contract.' The goal that kick-started the bandwagon Caddy's stunning goal against the Lions was the exclamation mark of an eye-catching third-quarter revival by the Bombers. They were pushing forward hard when Jade Gresham centred the ball from the pocket to Caddy lurking in the goal square. He pounced on the ground level ball and the rest is history. But the kick over his shoulder that levelled the scores wasn't pre-planned, or something he trained. It was entirely instinctive. Caddy is proud of the goal and, yes, he'd soak up any official recognition from the AFL. When asked about the possibility of it being adjudged goal of the year at the end of the season, Caddy's reply was immediate: 'hopefully'. 'It was just kind of an in-the-moment thing,' he said. 'I can't even explain it. 'I don't know what made me think to kick it [like that]. 'I just threw it over behind my head, and [it] went through and then I celebrated accordingly. '[But] oh no, no, I don't plan on kicking them over my head – if I did I'd probably get sacked, to be honest. 'And if I had missed that, I probably would have looked stupid, so luckily it went in.' In an era when kicks 'around the corner' at goal have become de rigueur, Caddy is conscious of focusing on the right routine for his set shots and his kicking in general play. 'I'm just trying to get as many reps in as possible – [to] keep it a really good routine,' Caddy says of his approach to goal-kicking. 'I'm still working on that and seeing what works best for me, [ensuring that] I'm really improving on that [part of my game]. 'My field kicking is something I work on a lot more as well... trying to improve that so that I can be a more dangerous AFL player and [so that] when I've got the ball in my hands I can be trusted with [it] by teammates.' 'I don't know what made me think to kick it [like that]. I just threw it over behind my head, and [it] went through and then I celebrated accordingly.' Nate Caddy on 'that' goal against the Lions A sponge for footy knowledge Only days away from turning 20, Caddy is one of the game's hottest properties. Essendon development coach and former Collingwood premiership player Travis Cloke is a strong influence, while Caddy also leans on the club's forwards assistant coach, Cam Roberts, and former Bombers big man Michael Hurley for advice. 'There's heaps of them, to be honest,' Caddy says, the enthusiasm in his voice obvious as he reflects on his trusted confidantes. It was a moment captured on live TV that illustrated Caddy's keenness to soak up information from those who've plied their trade at the top. Caddy had a post-game interview on Channel Seven in March featuring St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt. The pair had never met and the young Bomber, with the cameras still rolling, decided to hit up the hall of famer for some quick advice. Riewoldt quickly stepped aside and the two engaged in a chat about forward craft. 'I'm not sure how professional it was of me to … just walk off mid-interview to go and have a chat to the young fellow,' the St Kilda great said. Loading 'We spoke about some simple key bodywork stuff in marking contests. Like it was pretty granular. 'We've exchanged numbers – we'll catch up and have coffee.' Caddy is happy he made the first move. 'I just had a few things I wanted to ask him, and he's been really good post that [moment] as well,' the young Bomber said. 'He's obviously a really good player, and, you know, someone I really look up to because he was kind of a similar player to what I am. Caddy's willingness to be a sponge for knowledge on all things footy doesn't go unnoticed. One industry figure who's been keenly watching Caddy's career, who spoke anonymously to speak freely, said the young Bomber was constantly looking for improvement. 'Usually it takes them [footballers] until they're 22 to work that out,' the figure said. 'He's not too confident to not take counsel, if that makes sense, which just puts him in wonderful, wonderful stead.' The Kako combination The red-and-black fraternity have gone 25 years without a flag. A decade ago, they endured the drugs scandal. But having the likes of Caddy and Kako on the list has helped deliver fresh hope. 'Yeah, we're good mates,' Caddy says of his forward-line sidekick. 'We went to school together, played school footy together. We knew that once I got drafted to Essendon that we'd be teammates, because he was an Essendon NGA [next generation academy] player. 'We've also got Zak Johnson [another player who also went to Parade College]. 'We've got all three of us that are playing consistent AFL footy … from the same high school team at least two years ago. 'It's pretty cool.' Managing the hype With the hope of what Caddy could become comes the increased scrutiny and expectation – a tough juggling act for any player to manage. 'Yeah, yeah I see it,' Caddy says of the attention. Loading 'It obviously chops and changes when you have good and bad weeks. 'I'm not a pin-up boy for when everything goes wrong just yet. 'That might happen in the future, but hopefully not.' Caddy's eyes are firmly focused on the main target ahead of him – making the most of his potential to be one of the game's biggest stars. 'I've obviously got a lot to learn, and I'm the first to admit that,' he said. '[But I'm] just learning as I go, and just kind of slowly working out what works for me and how I can be a damaging AFL player.'
Mercury
an hour ago
- Mercury
Joe Daniher return rumours denied by Sydney coach Dean Cox
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Swans coach Dean Cox has categorically denied that the club has reached out to premiership-winning key forward Joe Daniher as a potential solution to their attacking problems. Sydney has been far from their free-flowing attacking best this season, with last year's key trio of Joel Amartey, Logan McDonald and Hayden McLean all impacted by a combination of injury, suspension and form issues in 2025. Daniher stepped into retirement after last year's grand final triumph with the Lions, and is currently gallivanting around Europe while focusing on business interests. But it hasn't stopped reports linking him with a potential AFL comeback in the red and white. The Swans have also been recently linked with a move for the Bulldogs' former number-one draft pick, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, but it is the Daniher connection that has been stronger over the past fortnight. The Swans also initially tried to lure Daniher to the Harbour City before he eventually left Essendon for Brisbane at the end of 2020. However, Cox was adamant that the Swans had not picked up the phone to the 31-year-old. 'As a footy club, we haven't inquired or spoken to Joe,' Cox said. 'I can categorically say that. 'Having said that, I make sure the list management team are exploring everyone across the country to improve our list. Joe just hasn't been on that list. 'I wouldn't mind going over to Europe to say hello. But no, we haven't made any contact.' Isaac Heeney and Will Hayward are the only two players who have kicked 20+ goals this season for the Swans, while Amartey is set to return for Sunday's clash against Fremantle as the club's main key forward threat. Meanwhile, Daniher's former coach Chris Fagan also played down any talk that he could be convinced to pull on the boots again. The pair teamed up for the ultimate premiership success against the Swans last September, and it's clear that it was the highlight that Daniher wanted to end his career with. 'I'm nearly 100 per cent sure, 99.99 per cent sure,' Fagan said. 'Joe is enjoying life at the moment, and the other thing I'd be confident with is if he did (return), he would play with us. 'I've been texting him a little bit while he's been in Portugal and Spain, enjoying life, so I don't think he'd be in great nick right now. I'd be very, very surprised if Joey ever plays footy again.' Originally published as Sydney coach Dean Cox denies club has reached out to Joe Daniher about an AFL return
