Melbourne-turned-Sydney ruckman Brodie Grundy has opened up on his second trade move in as many years as he now plans for what could be a "fruitful" venture to the Harbour City.
The two-time All-Australian was moved to the Swans by the Demons after a 17-game season in the red and blue - his first with Melbourne after departing Collingwood with five years to run on a long-term contract with the Magpies.
Grundy would remain a strong ruck option at AFL level under coach Simon Goodwin and alongside captain Max Gawn, but the Demons' desires to transition the former Magpies star into an attacking asset fell short.
Melbourne, Grundy and his management eventually entered "mature and honest conversations" around what the 29-year-old's future looked like with the Redlegs, with both parties eventually agreeing to part ways after one year together.
Speaking on Triple M, Grundy said he couldn't have imagined being traded for a second time following his Collingwood departure, but is looking forward to life as a Swans player.
"We've been pretty settled in Melbourne for the last 11 years, I can't say 12 months ago I was picturing after my first trade that I'd be getting traded again and going up to Sydney," he said.
"...Initially, when I signed my long-term contract, I didn't think I would be moving from Collingwood. But as things sort of eventuated it was probably the right thing for both parties. I went to Melbourne and 12 months on I'm going to Sydney.
"Things can change, you've got to be agile in these times, you can't stay static. The industry has evolved a lot, you've got to be able to have those mature and honest conversations at the right time.
"It was in the best interest of both parties again. Hopefully, it's fruitful up in Sydney."
Grundy was forced to play at VFL level on four occasions to help improve his forward work before earning a spot in Goodwin's side, with his axing from the senior team a "sobering" moment for the multiple Collingwood best and fairest winner.
The departed Demons ruckman admitted his footy "wasn't where I wanted to be", with there being no bad blood between he and Melbourne.
"Playing VFL, it's pretty sobering when you get dropped. It's tough," Grundy said.
"A big part of what we do is our jobs, we got a lot of satisfaction out of that. When that isn't where we want to be, it's hard to reconcile.
"For me, getting close to the end of my career, I want to be able to maximise my time playing AFL footy.
"I wanted to give it a go and see if I could come in and play finals, kick some goals. But it wasn't to be.
"We had a mutual conversation towards the end, a lot of it was going on in the background with my manager. I spoke to 'Goody' transparently. Hand on heart, I don't have a bad word to say about Melbourne. The people there are fantastic. For all it's worth, I enjoyed my time there.
"My two hours on the weekend just wasn't where I wanted to be. I'm here to play AFL footy, that's what led me to Sydney and I'm looking forward to making it there."
Grundy had another suitor in Port Adelaide, who were keen to bring the South Australian product back to his home state as part of their aggressive trade plans.
The Unley junior said the decision to choose Sydney over Port Adelaide was "the best thing" for him and his partner, while his Mum had hoped a move to Alberton might've come to be.
"Mum was a bit flat," Grundy said of his decision not to return to South Australia.
"Ultimately, we felt for me and my partner that it was the best thing for my footy up in Sydney, so we're pumped."
Grundy will join past teammates James Jordon and Taylor Adams in making the move to Sydney ahead of the pre-season, while the Swans also signed Fremantle defender Joel Hamling this off-season.