GWS veterans Heath Shaw and Shane Mumford will let Saturday’s AFL grand final soak in, each knowing it might well be their final game.
The two most-experienced players in the Giants’ 22 will have key roles in the premiership decider against Richmond at the MCG.
Shaw’s composure in the backline was crucial in the Giants’ determined preliminary-final victory over Collingwood.
Mumford was well beaten by Magpies ruck opponent Brodie Grundy, but he contested stoppage after stoppage and set the tone with his physicality.
Each aged 33 and coming out of contract, Shaw and Mumford – having won premierships with Collingwood in 2010 and Sydney in 2012 respectively – will meet coach Leon Cameron in coming weeks to discuss their futures.
“To be honest, it’s not going to be a hard decision either way, whether I retire or don’t,” Shaw told AAP.
“My body feels great. I definitely could keep playing for however long I wanted to. It’s just a matter of me and Leon sitting down.
“I’m very happy with my career to date but there’s one little thing that would be handy going into that meeting with Leon in a few weeks.”
Shaw was in typically fine form at Friday’s grand-final parade, posing for photos and poking fun at teammates.
The Melbourne native had avoided his home town during recent grand finals, not wanting to be reminded of having missed out.
“It’s hard not to soak it in even if it wasn’t going to be my last one,” Shaw said.
“It’s such a great occasion and I’ve been lucky enough to play in three grand finals – a win, a loss and a draw.
“You don’t want to let that feeling go.
“I’m going to enjoy every minute but I’ve got two hours of business to deal with tomorrow.”
Mumford memorably came out of retirement at the end of last year, playing the majority of the Giants’ games this season.
His role on Saturday is likely to involve protecting Lachie Whitfield after the star wingman’s appendix surgery last week.
“He might not look that tough but he’s one of the toughest blokes you’ll ever come across,” Mumford said of Whitfield.
“I’ll be putting blocks on for anyone I can, mate.”
