FORMER Adelaide recruiter Matthew Rendell says young South Australian ruckman Brodie Grundy will be ready to step up to AFL level next year.
Grundy is shaping as a likely top-10 pick in this year's draft on the back of stellar performances for his state in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
Speaking on Channel 9's TAC Cup Future Stars program, Rendell, who has been mentoring the young ruckman in his role with the state team, called Grundy a match-winner.
"He's a really competitive ruckman and as a bottom-ager last year I reckon he won two games for South Australia by himself," Rendell said.
"Someone's going to get a beauty there."
Grundy, who stands at 202cm and 100kg, has kicked six goals and has been a dominant force in the ruck in this year's carnival after being selected in the 2011 Under-18 All Australian team.
Rendell said the club which picked the SA big man could be reassured that he will play at AFL level next year.
"He makes stuff happen. He's a real competitive beast and virtually ready to go as a ruckman, which is unusual too," he said.
"If a club picks him I reckon they'll get some games out of him in the lLeague next year."
Rendell said last year was tough as most of the Crows players he had a hand in drafting to the club were not performing up to expectations.
"To tell you the truth, it was pretty stressful last year because you question yourself as a recruiter when the team's playing poorly."
But he said he had been delighted watching how the second-placed Crows were travelling this year.
"To see it come to fruition this year has been really enjoyable. I'm riding every kick, every mark and every goal [home]," he said.
Rendell said he was likely to enter the recruiting field again next year, with media reports linking him with Collingwood.
"It's in my DNA somewhere and I just love the cut and thrust - I think I've got a PHD in footy after a lifetime of being involved," he said.
"I think I know what I'm talking about and it's something I want to stay in, so I think that'll happen next year."
Ben Guthrie is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter - @AFL_BenGuthrie
