GWS coach Leon Cameron says there’s a calculated risk bringing Shane Mumford back, with the ruckman to return to their roster on Saturday.
The 2012 Sydney premiership-winning ruckman retired after the 2017 season following foot issues, but will rejoin the Giants when the supplemental selection period opens on Saturday.
Talks emerged last month that 32-year-old Mumford could make a comeback, especially after the Giants ruck stocks were depleted by the trade of Rory Lobb to Fremantle.
In early November Mumford was fined $25,000 and, pending a possible comeback, suspended by the club for two games after footage of a 2015 video had emerged of the him snorting white powder.
He helped out with the Giants’ ruckmen in 2018 and kept fit by boxing as a professional heavyweight, winning both his fights inside the distance.
The Giants are optimistic Mumford’s foot problem won’t be an issue.
“We’re really willing to take that calculated risk,’ Cameron said on Friday.
“Because we’ve done all the research with him and lots of conversations and I’m confident it’s going to turn out to be a really good story for him.
Mumford’s last game was in a qualifying final in September 2017.
“Twelve months ago he was pretty spent,” Cameron said.
“He had a navicular issue that was pretty bad. We all know he’s had his knee issues for probably the last five or six years and it just got worse.
“When he played that last game in Adelaide in the first final in 2017, clearly his career came tumbling down.
“He had a three or four-month off and didn’t really do much and then got into boxing and he started to present himself pretty well throughout the year at the back end in term of our training and taking the rucks for some coaching.
“We had a very good strong discussion and Mummy (Mumford) has presented himself really well on the back of some really good training in a different sport so we’ll read his name out tomorrow.
“We’ll look forward to the journey, we know there will be some ups and downs but that’s like with any player.”
Cameron said Mumford had made a big mistake regarding his actions on the video, but was prepared to give him a second chance.
“One thing I know about him is that he’s determined to make the wrongs right and we’re there to make sure that we can help him through that,’ Cameron said.
He said forward Toby Green might not return to training until January following recent ankle surgery.
© AAP
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Remarkable from James Peatling!
"Chocolates to boiled lollies!"
The Giants coach brought the troops in for a huddle after star defender Sam Taylor was concussed in an accidental collision.
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale will be looking to lead his team to a victory against Melbourne in what will be his 250th AFL game.
