I said it many times last season but Granty suffered in the SPL having to cover for Zadi and regularly having to take on the man to man marking role. On Saturday Zadi was much improved and looks capable of holding his own at the SFL level - that just has to take the pressure of Granty. On Saturday Bulvitis is a no nonsense DEFENDER who looks like a real man marker and has some pace. That also allowed Grant to devote his energies and concentration on marshalling the defence and assuming a mainly central, covering position. Esson is practically a sweeper and a playmaker at times and he regularly starts off going forward with throw outs.
I dont think that Grant has changed that much - he just has more support, less responsibility and more freedom. At times last year he had to do too feckin much because of the deficits of others.