But Grundy soldiered on and the results are spectacular. When Collingwood beat West Coast by a point in round 17 last year, Grundy tallied 22 disposals, 32 hitouts, eight tackles, and six clearances in a sparkling display.West Coast coach Adam Simpson says the ruck battle between Nic Naitanui and Brodie Grundy will make for tantalising viewing in Sunday’s blockbuster at Optus Stadium.Simpson has labelled the midfield battle with Collingwood as crucial, and says the showdown between Naitanui and Grundy will be a key aspect.West Coast forward Liam Ryan has been named, but he could be a late withdrawal following the tragic death of his eight-year-old nephew while riding his bike to school earlier this week.Given last week’s western derby was a Fremantle home game, Sunday’s blockbuster will be the first time West Coast have played in front of their own fans this year.“Bring it back,” Simpson quipped when asked about the noise of affirmation - a term coined for West Coast’s perceived advantage they get from the umpires when playing in Perth.Collingwood have won two straight games to shoot into the top four, while West Coast have won three on the trot - albeit against teams on the lowly rungs of the ladder.Naitanui was no slouch in that match, tallying a whopping 11 clearances to go along with his 14 disposals, 28 hitouts and four tackles.“So we might need the crowd back to boost the numbers.”“He’s (normally) the hunted, but I think Nic is at his best when he hunts. They have a flair for beauty, elegance, romance, affection and refinement.Like many famous people and celebrities, Brodie Grundy keeps his personal life private. Make sure to leave a like and subscribe for more videos like this! He signed on to play with Collingwood through the 2017 AFL season in March 2014. I think he thrives on playing on a good ruckman,” Simpson said.The Eagles have been on the wrong end of the free-kick count in 2020, but Simpson said West Coast’s fans might help them even up the score.“Two different types of ruckmen with potentially game-winning abilities, so that will be one for everyone to watch.”Naitanui and Grundy both have claims on being the best ruckman in the competition, and their head-to-head battle in Perth will play a huge role in the result.“He’s more a complete fifth mid I suppose, whereas Nic has power and attributes that I don’t think anyone can match in terms of follow-up and contest.Don't miss the latest sports news!“What Grundy does is not just in the ruck, it’s what he does around the ground.“There’s probably none better than what we’re confronting this week. Mark Duffield. I just wonder whether they'll try to tempt him this trade period, in particular Adelaide, possibly with that (first-round) pick they'll get from Carlton."Josh Kelly recently signed a two-year extension with GWS that includes an eight-year option in his favour should he decide Sydney is his long-term home."Some of the contract lengths and terms of the contracts, it's a crazy situation in our game."While Grundy's current talent level justifies a monster offer, few players have received such long-term deals.While Luke Darcy, an All Australian ruck-forward in 2002, feels six or seven years for Grundy is worth the risk, Essendon champion Tim Watson is less than convinced.The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of next year and early discussions towards an extension were put on hold in June."I think Grundy's fine with the club but I don't think he thinks this is a respectful offer - I think he's a bit miffed by it, to be honest."I think it's going crazy," he said of players asking for long-term security beyond three or four years.The oldest full-time ruckman receiving regular game time this year is Shane Mumford, who turned 33 in July after coming out of retirement for GWS."I said this when people were bandying around a million dollars or more (for Grundy to move to) the Adelaide Crows - three years, you're battering rams," Carey said.