AFTER spending eight seasons at the Western Bulldogs, Gold Coast recruit Jarrad Grant says he was surprised not to be offered a new contract at the end of 2015.
As he prepares for his first game against his old club in Cairns on Saturday night, the clever forward concedes he's feeling a little 'strange'.
The Dandenong Stingrays product kicked 83 goals across 81 games at the Bulldogs after being taken at pick No.5 in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft.
"I thought I had my best season at AFL level last year," Grant said.
"We had some tough conversations, some good conversations, but at the end of the day the club didn't want me there any longer.
"I've got a lot of close friends there and spent a lot of time there, (but) footy is a ruthless industry and sometimes the cards don't fall in your favour.
"I'm feeling a bit strange about the circumstances after spending eight years there, but looking forward to it, and there will no doubt be a bit of banter which I enjoy.
"A couple of the boys were seeing if I was in (the side and) I got just got back in this week."
A broken wrist in the pre-season, and a hamstring strain against the Giants in round eight stymied his attempts to re-establish himself at a new club, but some familiar faces have made the transition a bit easier.
Suns coach Rodney Eade was in charge at Whitten Oval when Grant first arrived and respected recruiter Scott Clayton brought him to the club after spotting him running around for the Stingrays.
After leaving the Bulldogs, Clayton has been responsible for assembling Gold Coast's inaugural list.
"I've been lucky enough to reunite with 'Rocket', Scotty Clayton and some blokes who have some faith in me and drafted me when I started (at the Dogs)," Grant said.
"I turned 27 last week, so I think I've still got another three years in me (at AFL level) and hopefully it can be at this club.
"I do see a bright future (for the Suns) and I want to be involved."
While many will say he has never lived up to being such a high draft pick, Grant believes Eade is the man to help him get the best out of himself.
The esteemed coach has assisted him improve his defensive pressure – a deficiency that saw him spend a few weeks in the NEAFL improving recently.
But as long he's making the most of his second chance, Grant is prepared to wear one of Eade's infamous tongue-lashings every now and then.
"I played well under him early days (at the Bulldogs) and played in a couple of preliminary finals," he said.
"I played wing the last couple of years at the Dogs, (but) he's put me back in the forward line and help the team in that position.
"He hasn't changed a lot because he's always joking around, (but) he can be light-hearted and then he's not so light-hearted.
"He's good at a spray, but with the (Suns') younger dynamic he's probably reserved and a little bit more measured in his approach.
"But he can still serve out a good one if need be."
