GWS coach Leon Cameron has gone in to bat for Shane Mumford after the ruckman came under scrutiny for his physicality.
Mumford received a $1000 fine for misconduct for a brutal, late tackle on North Melbourne youngster Tarryn Thomas and was also criticised for almost catching Jy Simpkin high with a swinging elbow shortly after.
Cameron said he didn’t feel a need to tell Mumford to tone down his style of play.
“Shane has only been reported for one week at our footy club. That’s pretty good for a person that nearly gets people,” Cameron said on Thursday.
“I understand that there’s some clumsiness, and the commentary around it, and Shane’s the first one to acknowledge he probably went too far on some occasions.
“But equally I love the way he plays – he brings energy.
“There’s going to be some awkwardness – and there’s some legitimate awkwardness, he’s no ballet dancer. When he falls, he falls hard and he’s a big boy.
“So what I do like is the energy he brings, he brings an enormous amount of energy, and he keeps correcting his game.”
Cameron threw down the gauntlet to his side to deliver in Saturday’s must-win game against Carlton.
“We’re under no illusions how big this game is, it’s massive for both clubs and that’s what footy’s about,” Cameron said.
What you want to find out about your players is performing under pressure and it’s a big-pressure game on Saturday night.
Harry Perryman should return from a hamstring injury while the Giants will consider bringing back Phil Davis, after a week in the VFL, to tackle Coleman Medal leader Harry McKay.
“Clearly he’s the leading goalkicker for the league, he’s in outstanding form and he’s a really hard match-up,” Cameron said.
“But they’ve got a number of players – (Jack) Silvagni’s started to hit form, their smalls in (Zac) Fisher and (Eddie) Betts – you take your eye off them and just worry about McKay, then you get hurt.”
© AAP
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Outstanding from Nicholas Madden!
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.
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.
It’s high stakes with five teams having lost their first three games of season 2024, and in desperate need of a win.
It could be a weekend for contenders to emerge, teams to hopefully break droughts, o and overall footy to have a party.
