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AAP
AAP
Roger Vaughan and Shayne Hope

Magpies ready for Grundy, but can they stop him?

Sydney's Brodie Grundy (right) will face one of his former clubs when the Swans meet the Magpies. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

Knowing the danger and being able to stop it can be two vastly different propositions.

It will be a key narrative when Collingwood unfurl their premiership flag and go up against boom Sydney recruit Brodie Grundy in Friday night's AFL blockbuster at the MCG.

Grundy made a big statement in last week's season-opening win over his old side Melbourne, vying for best-afield honours with new teammate Isaac Heeney.

Now Grundy will ruck against Collingwood, who he left at the end of 2022 for his frustrating season with the Demons.

"Last year, King's Birthday, he was fired up to play against us, and he's just wearing different colours," Magpies coach Craig McRae said of Grundy.

"He's an elite player ... we've always known that. We've never said he's not.

Craig McRae
It has been a "back to basics" week at training for the Magpies, Collingwood coach Craig McRae says. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

"He's so important to clearances, he had nine last week.

"He gives a different dynamic to the Swans, and we have Darcy Cameron. He had one of his better games for a long time, so it's going to be a great contest."

After beating Melbourne at the SCG last week, the Swans head to the MCG keen to pull off a big season-opening double.

Just as Grundy would love to make a statement against his other former team, James Rowbottom revealed Sydney have targeted their first two opponents.

"I don't think (a packed and pro-Magpies MCG) is daunting," he said.  

"We just see it as a good opportunity ... we've focused on the first two weeks of the season, two genuine top-four contenders.

"If we can get off to a good start, that would be great.

"Hopefully (Grundy) can double down again and give it to them."

McRae was impressed with the number Sydney did on Melbourne, noting in particular their contested ball work and how well they retained possession.

"John Longmire is an incredible coach, he had his players breathing fire out of their mouths," McRae said.

"If you let them have uncontested marks, they will make us chase the ball all night."

It's been a "back to basics" week for the Magpies, who were left smarting from their poor season opener against Greater Western Sydney.

McRae said they did too many little things poorly - such as standing the mark - and it has been a focus of their preparations for Friday night's big test.

The Swans have named an unchanged line-up, while the Magpies have regained important defender Jeremy Howe from injury.

Magpies ball-winner Tom Mitchell has been managed after just one game and was named as an emergency.

Collingwood also recalled Finlay Macrae and dropped John Noble.

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