Grimley started out in the Queensland Australian Football League where he played with Wilston Grange.
He made his Fitzroy debut in the opening round of the 1983 season but was unable to establish himself in the side.
After returning to Queensland, Grimley had success as Wilston Grange's full-forward and kicked 107 goals in 1987 to top the QAFL goal-kicking.
His father, Ken, is a member of the Queensland 'Team of the Century' and also spent some time at Fitzroy.
They are the only father and son combination from the state to have competed in the VFL.