Shane Mumford has described his first game out of retirement as a massive weight off his shoulders and admits he wasn't sure how his return against Richmond last week would pan out.
Mumford last played in the GIANTS' qualifying final loss to Adelaide in 2017 before a serious foot injury forced him to retire at the end of that season.
But after a season spent boxing and working as the GIANTS' ruck coach, the aggressive big man was re-drafted by the GIANTS, despite an off-season controversy.
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He was handed a two-game club ban for the incident and was forced to play three scratch matches in the reserves to prepare for his comeback, but Mumford said that lead-in could have been a blessing.
"I was still able to get a lot of game time in to prepare myself (while suspended) but it was good to get the rust off (against the Tigers)," he said.
"There was a bit of nervous energy before the game, and the amount of texts and calls I got, it was like I was playing my first game.
"I got beaten at some centre bounces by guys half my size – I'll be doing plenty of jumping into the bag this week."
Despite his time away from the top level and the topsy turvy pre-season, Mumford returned in round three with all the usual aggression he's shown throughout his career with Geelong, Sydney and the GIANTS.
That was evidenced when he crushed Richmond onballer Dion Prestia in a bruising tackle during the match.
"He reckons I'm quite heavy," Mumford said with a laugh.
"Any time you can intimidate guys to get them thinking you're around the ball it's only going to benefit you.
"That's the way I've played since I was a kid and I'll continue to play that way.
"I guess that's my trademark, being hard at the ball.
"Any time you can intimidate the opposition with your hunt on the ball you're going to be in a good place."
The GIANTS responded well to a disappointing loss to West Coast to easily dispose of the Tigers by 49 points at GIANTS Stadium, which sets up a massive game against ladder-leaders Geelong on Saturday afternoon.
The GIANTS have lost all four matches at GMHBA Stadium and while the Cats are flying and undefeated after three rounds, Mumford said his side will hit the road with confidence.
"They've been playing some brilliant footy and it's always tough game down there; they play the ground really well," he said.
"Our belief is there, we've just got to continue to do it week after week to give ourselves the best chance."
