The GIANTS will welcome back Shane Mumford for the 2019 season with the hulking ruckman added to the club’s list on Saturday as part of the new pre-season supplemental selection period.
After retiring due to foot problems at the end of 2017, Mumford joined the club’s coaching staff as a part-time ruck coach ahead of the 2018 season.
As the year progressed, it became apparent that the one-year break from football and continued access to the club’s medical and rehabilitation services had helped his injuries progress to the point where a return to AFL football could be considered.
Everything's bigger up close. To become a GIANTS 2019 member today, CLICK HERE.
Following the end of the season, the now 32-year-old expressed his desire to continue his AFL career with the GIANTS.
“It was certainly an unexpected development but one we were immediately intrigued by,” GIANTS List Manager Jason McCartney said.
“Medically, Shane has been cleared to return to AFL football and once that happened, it simply became a question of whether Shane’s appetite to compete at the highest level was there.
“Having still been involved in the club as a coach, Shane is keen to contribute on the field in 2019 while continuing to help develop the other ruckmen on the GIANTS’ list.”
Mumford said he was excited to return to the AFL.
“I can’t wait to get back out there next season,” he said.
“After medical advice said playing last year would be detrimental to my long-term future, I threw myself into my role as a ruck coach while training and keeping fit for a potential boxing career.
“My body responded really well to the break and I’m feeling as fit as I ever have been previously.
“Still being involved in the club allowed me to continue to work in football and when the discussion came up about a potential return, I jumped at it.
“12 months has passed, but I feel really confident I can contribute on the field to the GIANTS’ side in 2019.”
The move isn’t a first for the club, with journeyman Sam Reid retiring at the end of 2013 after persistent injuries and taking up a role as a development coach with the club. Two seasons playing with the NEAFL side allowed his body to heal as he re-discovered a passion for the game.
Reid was rookie-listed by the GIANTS ahead of the 2016 season and he has played 40 AFL games for the club since resuming his career, including 21 in 2018.
Mumford is expected to add to his 172 games at Geelong, Sydney and the GIANTS after making his debut for the Cats in 2008.
He was part of the Swans’ Premiership team of 2012 before crossing to the GIANTS in 2014, where he played 72 games for the AFL’s youngest club.
The ruckman quickly became a fan favourite at the GIANTS across his four seasons, winning the 2014 Kevin Sheedy Medal as Club Champion in his first year at the club.
The GIANTS were able to add Mumford straight to their list with the introduction of the new pre-season supplemental selection period.
The period allows any player who previously nominated for the draft or retired, delisted himself or was delisted and has spent a year out of the AFL to join their nominated club between December 1 and March 15.
Mumford will commence pre-season training on Monday with the return of the senior playing group.
