Shane Mumford’s AFL finals return was one to savour but there was a moment the Greater Western Sydney big man would like to forget.
Mumford was a typically imposing force in the Giants’ 58-point elimination final thumping of the in-form Western Bulldogs.
In his first final since un-retiring and returning to the AFL this season, the 33-year-old only managed nine disposals but was key to setting the tone in the middle.
Critically, he had the better of Bulldogs counterpart Tim English in the hit-out department (39 to 30) and added four tackles for good measure.
But the young Dog made Mumford look his age in the second quarter, leaving the 33-year-old in his dust to run into an open goal after pouncing on a ball from over to the top.
The veteran Giant was still kicking himself post-match over his senior moment while savouring the victory with his young family in the rooms.
“I was just like ‘why did I let him goal-side. You idiot. You’re never catching him’,” he joked.
Mumford was well aware 205cm English would have him covered in the air throughout the encounter but resolved to use his biggest asset – his imposing 100kg-plus frame.
“For me, it was just about being physical and trying to move him as much as possible and then getting my hand on it,” he said.
In a reversal of their round-22 loss, the Giants monstered the Bulldogs 167 to 125 in contested ball.
Jacob Hopper (19 contested possessions) and Tim Taranto (11) were vital to the Giants winning the midfield battle over Marcus Bontempelli and co.
“They’re massive,” Mumford said of the young GWS duo.
“Contested ball’s probably where the game’s won or lost.
“Them two bulls in there just going at it, bashing heads … it takes a little bit of a load off me.”