Best Game
Shane Mumford’s best game came in the GIANTS’ round 18 win over Port Adelaide at the Adelaide oval.
Mumford was massive in the club’s first win in South Australia, dominating in the ruck with 49 hit outs and laying 10 tackles.
While he didn’t start his ruck contest against Port’s Jackson Trengove all too well, he hit back in the second half.
His brutality at the contest and desperation to win the football in the second half was a key factor as the GIANTS clawed their way back from a 20-point half time deficit to win by 19-points.
The ruckman would have surpassed 50 hit outs for the match but was rested late in the game with a knee injury.
Mumford’s effort against the Western Bulldogs in the Preliminary Final was a close second.
The 30-year-old winning 46 hit outs and collecting 10 disposals as he did everything in his power to get the GIANTS into their maiden Grand Final.
GIANT Moment
Mumford won the 2016 GIANTS Standards Defensive Award having led the club for tackles, laying 133 bone rattling tackles in his 23 matches.
The ruckman’s GIANT moment came in the club’s round two win over his former club Geelong in Canberra when he laid a crunching, ball and all tackle on Mitch Duncan.
A GIANT ‘oooh’ could be heard around Australia as Mumford set the tone for his and the GIANTS’ season, showing they were going to be a force to be reckoned with in 2016.
Mumford’s man-hug on Duncan was one of the highlights of the season until he almost emulated the feat twice.
The big man flattened Adelaide's Rory Sloane in round in round ten and hammered North Melbourne’s Andrew Swallow with a tackle that shook the foundations of Etihad Stadium in round 23.
2016 Season Stats
Games – 23
Goals – 3
Brownlow Medal Votes – 4
Sheedy Medal Votes – 123 (8th)
Disposals – 225
Marks – 54
Tackles – 133 (1st)
Clearances – 76 (4th)
Hit outs – 799 (1st)
What to expect in 2017
After a dominant year in the ruck that also saw Mumford play all but one game – his best return in nine seasons of AFL – it’s hard to see him being displaced as the GIANTS’ number one ruckman.
Mumford turns 31 in July and his guidance and experience be integral in the development of young ruckmen Tom Downie, Rory Lobb and Matt Flynn.
Mumford celebrated his 150th game during 2016 and he'll be looking to add a fair few more to that tally having signed a two-year contract extension in May, that will see him remain at the club until the end of 2018.
The big man will be glad he’s in one of the later groups to start pre-season training as he and his wife Eva are expecting their first child this month and could set for a few sleepless nights over the coming weeks.
