When you look at Brodie Grundy’s season averages, you see a career that has been on a steady upward curve since the athletic ruckman made his AFL debut, wearing number 35, back in 2013.

Grundy averaged almost 13 disposals per game in his first season with Collingwood. By 2015 this number had risen to 15.4.

He averaged a touch over 18 disposals per game in 2016 and 2017, and this year’s he’s elevated that number to almost 21.

Grundy’s average hit-outs per season have followed a similar trend, from 21.6 in 2013 to 26.1 in 2016 to 38.5 this year.

There is no doubt that the 24-year-old, who was selected by the Magpies with pick 18 in the 2012 national draft and has now played 104 AFL games, can get even better in the seasons to come.

Yet he has already reached a level that places him among the best players in the competition. His inclusion in the All Australian team on Wednesday night was a testament to that.

Grundy’s performances through the recently completed home and away season were consistently excellent – so good that he is among the key contenders for the Brownlow Medal.

Among his best games were those against Greater Western Sydney in round two (20 disposals, 45 hit-outs, two goals), Adelaide in round four (career-high 33 disposals, 40 hit-outs, one goal), Gold Coast in round 15 (23 disposals, 49 hit-outs), Richmond in round 19 (23 disposals, 48 hit-outs) and the Sydney Swans in round 20 (24 disposals, career-high 57 hit-outs and one goal).

Another key to Grundy’s form this season has been his tackling.

He racked up 11 tackles against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba in round nine, 10 against Richmond at the MCG in round 19 and nine against Port Adelaide at the MCG in round 22.

Grundy was second among Collingwood players for total tackles during the home and away season. He tallied 116 tackles, only eight fewer than the Pies’ No. 1 tackler, Scott Pendlebury.

They are remarkable numbers for a 203cm big man.

When you look at his statistics, it’s hard to believe Grundy could not command the No. 1 ruck position in the All Australian team.

But Melbourne’s Max Gawn, who edged Grundy out of that position, quite simply put together one of the greatest seasons ever by a ruckman.

Both players deserve to be mightily proud of their work so far in 2018, and both are set to play a huge role in the finals.