North fans know Nathan Grima as a tough defender and Brad Scott has often said the Roos are ‘a better side with Grima in the team’.
His team-mates agree with the head coach wholeheartedly and with the likes of Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett waiting, Scott Thompson couldn’t be happier to have the No. 17 beside him.
"You're not as stressed when he's around. It's good to have him in the team," Thompson told The Age.
But Grima’s value to North is not just beyond the white line, it extends far off the field too.
"Having quality people at a footy club, it creates an atmosphere others want to be part of, where people want to learn and train and enjoy coming to work," Defensive coach Josh Drummond says.
"'Narnie' loves the banter, loves everything that's involved with being in a footy club. But when he crosses the white line, he's fiercely competitive."
Grima’s eldest sister Hollie says he loves the limelight.
"He's a very confident person, likes to joke around, as most people have gathered by now. He loves being the centre of attention.
"Any time someone had to speak at assembly, he was the first one to do it, he'd get up there and make a fool of himself in front of everyone."
Grima’s brother Todd says there’s barely a dull moment when he’s around.
"He thinks he's the funniest bloke in the world.”
But as for Grima’s ‘never beaten’ approach, Todd believes it comes from their father Monty, a former ruckman.
"From what I hear, he (Monty) was pretty ruthless, hard as nails. He'd just push himself harder than anyone, that's where Nathan got it from."
Grima’s ability to push himself to the limit has been highlighted again this year. After missing much of the year with a foot injury, he was able to come straight back into the AFL and perform at the highest level.
"I remember a time after footy finished and he (Nathan) wouldn't do a thing for six weeks, then he'd come back and win the three-k time trial. He can just push his body harder than anyone else, he's pretty tough," Todd added.
