The cause of Sydney ruckman Shane Mumford’s back problems has been revealed – a rare infection from a cortisone injection.
Swans coach John Longmire is upbeat Mumford will return to training later this week, and is hopeful he could play Hawthorn in what will be the undefeated side’s sternest test of the AFL season.
Mumford was a last-minute scratching from his side’s round-two clash with Fremantle when he woke up with a sore back.
He returned in round three only to miss the Swans’ next game due to more back complaints at training on Friday before their last-start win over North Melbourne.
The club was befuddled until Monday when doctor Nathan Gibbs solved the mystery.
“Shane has had treatment today for the infection and is on a course of antibiotics,” Longmire said.
“We are hopeful he will take part in our main training session on Friday and be available for selection this week.”
Mumford had a cortisone injection after he was unable to take on the Dockers and was feeling fine until Friday.
After exhaustive tests and scans, Gibbs finally found closure – the infection likely being a result of the cortisone injection.
Mumford will join Lewis Roberts-Thomson (broken cheekbone) and Nick Smith (inner ear infection) in a battle to prove fitness for Sunday’s match against the Hawks in Launceston.
Meanwhile, Gary Rohan underwent surgery on Sunday night after a sickening compound fracture of his left tibia.
Longmire visited the 20-year-old in hospital on Monday and suggested he was doing well given the season-ending trauma he endured in the first quarter against the Kangaroos.
“Considering what he has been through, he is in really good spirit and even cracking a few jokes,” Longmire said.
“He had a pin inserted to repair his fractured tibia overnight and everything seems to have gone as well as it can so far.”
Greater Western Sydney midfielder Josh Growden and West Coast young gun Luke Shuey, who have both suffered broken legs in the past, were among the many offering Rohan support via Twitter.
The level-headed speedster, who gave the thumbs up to the crowd of 21,049 on Sunday when he was stretchered off in obvious excruciating pain, posted a message of appreciation on the social networking website.
“Thanks for the loving support from everyone great win by the boys #goswans,” Rohan said.
