Collingwood coach Craig McRae put up a photo of Brodie Grundy in a team meeting before the Magpies’ first encounter with their former star ruckman.
Grundy had the last laugh at the MCG on Monday as Melbourne edged Collingwood in a tense King’s Birthday match.
The 29-year-old was forced to find a new home during last year’s trade period due to Collingwood being determined to part with his hefty salary with five years to go on a contract.
Grundy was desperate to finish his career as a Magpies legend but eventually felt unwanted and moved to the Demons.
Sections of the Magpies crowd booed Grundy when he got the ball, but the Demons faithful tried to drown that out by cheering for the dual All-Australian.
“I said before the game to the boys – put a photo of him up – we really all care for Brodie,” McRae said.
“Many in the room have close relationships with him.
“He had a great contribution to the Collingwood football club.
“You make tough decisions, list management-wise with what you think is best for the future.
“We don’t want anything wrong by Brodie.
“We want him to play well and perform, just not against us.”
Grundy booted a crucial goal late in the third quarter to help the Demons pull away from Collingwood in a low-scoring struggle.
Demons coach Simon Goodwin paid tribute to Grundy for how he handled the occasion of facing his old club.
“I thought Brodes was terrific,” Goodwin said.
“We really value what he brings to our team.
“He follows up at ground level, he wins contests, he works hard and actually looks pretty threatening at times forward.
“He’s still continuing to improve and find out what his best system looks like for him, but the combination (with Demons captain Max Gawn) is what we’re most focused on.”