Star Greater Western Sydney ruckman Shane Mumford failed to train on Wednesday, but looks certain to face Richmond in Canberra on Saturday.
Mumford injured his right knee late in the GIANTS’ win over Port Adelaide on Sunday, but has been cleared of any structural damage. While the 30-year-old sat out the GIANTS’ light session on Wednesday morning as a precaution, he will train with his teammates at Manuka Oval on Friday.
GWS coach Leon Cameron said he was initially worried when the big man hobbled off the ground against the Power, but had full confidence in Mumford's ability to recover in time to play the Tigers.
The 2014 club champion missed the second half of last season with an ankle injury, but Cameron said he's not tempted to rest Mumford this week.
"If someone doesn't come up because they haven't recovered really well, you look at that, but we had a bye three weeks ago," he said.
"I don't think we're in a position to do that.
"He's got some old knees, let's be honest. Being in the ruck for the last 10-12 years, they've been beaten around a little bit.
"There's no doubt there's going to be some issues in the back end of his career, but by all reports he's going to be right."
On the back of the positive news regarding Mumford, the GIANTS could be bolstered by the return of midfielders Ryan Griffen and Lachie Whitfield, along with defender Matt Buntine, against Richmond.
Griffen hasn't played since the GIANTS’ round 14 win over Carlton at Spotless Stadium, and has missed the past three games with a hamstring strain he suffered at training.
Whitfield lost around five kilograms with a bout of tonsillitis a fortnight ago but played around 55 minutes in the NEAFL last week, while Buntine (hamstring) played his first game back in the reserves after being injured against the Blues.
Cameron said he was pleased the GIANTS’ injury list has started to shrink.
"It's a nasty, ruthless business at times with injuries, but we feel that with Ryan (Griffen) coming back in, Matty Buntine and Lachie Whitfield, we're probably going to have around 38 or 39 to pick from on the weekend," Cameron said.
"We haven't had that for the past two months, which has been hard. But hopefully now that we can regroup, we can have a smoother run for the next five weeks.
"Starting this weekend, there's no doubt selection is going to be tough because there's a lot of boys putting their hand up."
Midfielder Rhys Palmer (calf) will play NEAFL this weekend after missing two games, while key defender Aidan Corr (ankle) and Rising Star nominee Jacob Hopper (back) are due to play next weekend.
Hopper has missed four games with a stress fracture in his lower back, while Corr – a vital member of the GWS backline – hasn't been seen since rolling his ankle against the Sydney Swans in round three.
