Reg Retires

[S.S. Bleeder]

I had a funny feeling that someone might retire before May 27! He's been such a rock in defence.

Grundy calls time - sydneyswans.com.au

Sydney coach John Longmire paid tribute to Grundy’s extraordinary career.

“Heath has been an unbelievable servant of our club for a long time and there’s no doubt he will be missed,” Longmire said. “In terms of leadership, Heath set an example for all of us with his meticulous preparation, dedication and passion for his craft. Each week he’d line up on the opposition’s most damaging and biggest forward – and he’d just get the job done. He’s a premiership player and a champion of our club. We wish Heath, Elise, Reggie and Jameson all the best for the next phase of life.”

Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham said Grundy is one of the greatest Swans stories.

“Heath has been an anchor of our defence over the past decade. His dedication and resilience saw him progress from the rookie list to being in the top 10 players for games played at the Sydney Swans,” Pridham said. “A premiership player and Life Member, Heath will be remembered for his on-field toughness. He is an immensely popular figure at the club and his strength of character and friendliness has benefitted everyone he has dealt with over the past 15 years.”

Funny that he named his first born "Reg". Heath and Elise must have a sense of humour.

[Mark26]

I loved Reg. I'm a bit sad at the news of his retirement. He was a great guy on and off the field - was genuinely interested in having real conversations too.

[jono2707]

He was one of my favourites of the last 20+ years. Thanks Reg.

It's a bit of a sad by-product of the otherwise interesting and exciting mid season draft.

[Meg]

Funny that he named his first born "Reg". Heath and Elise must have a sense of humour.

First son is Reggie. Yes very apt.

[neilfws]

Sad news. Says a lot that he's a favourite to so many and liked by everyone.

Ted Richards reposted a link to the article he wrote about Grundy last year, well worth reading again:

Glutes, tools and Tokyo — Ted’s tribute to Reg - AFL Players

[Velour&Ruffles]

Yes, a sad moment. Wildly under-rated for much of his career - had he been with a Melbourne based club I think he'd be far more respected. Went from rookie to failed forward to absolute gun defender who routinely destroyed the best forwards - should be extremely proud of his career.
It's a shame that Maibaum is injured - I view him as the natural inheritor of the Reg mantle.

[dimelb]

A valuable (and outside the club greatly underrated) full back. Hard but fair, not overly fast but great sense of where to be, a reliable rock for his backline to lean on. Best wishes for the future Reg.

[KSAS]

The Rock of Gilbraltar of our defence. True bloodsman. Tough and underrated. So different to the other legendary no 39 who occupied the opposite goal square.

[Markwebbos]

Sad news. Says a lot that he's a favourite to so many and liked by everyone.

Ted Richards reposted a link to the article he wrote about Grundy last year, well worth reading again:

Glutes, tools and Tokyo — Ted’s tribute to Reg - AFL Players

Thanks for that neilfws. Teddy talks about Reg having "a huge engine". I remember being surprised when they showed the GPS stats that Reg had often covered the most ground during a game.

[dejavoodoo44]

Sad news. Says a lot that he's a favourite to so many and liked by everyone.

Ted Richards reposted a link to the article he wrote about Grundy last year, well worth reading again:

Glutes, tools and Tokyo — Ted’s tribute to Reg - AFL Players

Good article. Ted always had an excellent sense of humour.
And to save anyone else doing the search; the person next to Reg in the photo, is Simon Phillips.

[bloodspirit]

Longmire also commented in the retirement press conference that Grundy's tank and athleticism were underrated. Reg laughed and Horse really emphasised how much he meant it.

News have put out a nice article about Grundy's impact and influence quoting Nick Riewoldt and Bob Murphy: Riewoldt hails retiring AFL rival Grundy | Wellington Times.

We have lost Our Edge. Go well Reg! Gonna miss you.

[AnnieH]

Longmire also commented in the retirement press conference that Grundy's tank and athleticism were underrated. Reg laughed and Horse really emphasised how much he meant it.

News have put out a nice article about Grundy's impact and influence quoting Nick Riewoldt and Bob Murphy: Riewoldt hails retiring AFL rival Grundy | Wellington Times.

We have lost Our Edge. Go well Reg! Gonna miss you.

I didn't know Riewoldt could read!!
We have lost our last line of defence.

EDIT: Just read the article - I was right, it wasn't written by him, just quotes from TV.

[Ralph Dawg]

Reg was always an underestimated player throughout his career. I think part of this was that he looked a bit slower than he actually was. So many times, it looked like he was going to be beaten but then all of a sudden he was there for the first or mark. I'm going to miss having him in the team and I'm hoping Melican can step up and become the set and forget defender who we can trust to lock down the opposition's key forward.

[Markwebbos]

Note that Melican’s nickname is “Pel”

[The Big Cat]

Note that Melican’s nickname is “Pel”

Short for 'Pelican' which rhymes with Melican