A condensed AFL season and shorter quarters may prompt Shane Mumford to play on in 2021, which would be a remarkable effort given the imposing GWS ruckman retired three years ago.
Mumford originally called it quits in 2017, citing a degenerative ankle problem and the overall physical toll his bruising approach to the game had taken.
The battering ram spent one year as an assistant coach at GWS then came out of retirement for 2019.
It was expected to be a one-year arrangement.
But the 34-year-old, who will celebrate his 200th game when the Giants face Carlton on Thursday night, shocked plenty by signing up for 2020 and is now feeling unexpectedly fresh after sharing ruck duties with Sam Jacobs.
“One more? Leon (coach Leon Cameron) has just signed for two more,” Mumford quipped.
“Surely that gives me another two as well doesn’t it?
“I’ve always said I will wait until the end of the season then assess.
“I love doing what I’m doing and if my body is up for it then there is no reason why I wouldn’t try to go around again next year.”
Mumford suggested his body has been holding up surprisingly well.
“In previous years it probably took me until the Thursday or Friday to feel good again,” he said.
“Games are now 20-25 minutes shorter every week, so that’s a number of collisions, knocks … you’re obviously going to pull up better every week.”
Teammate Josh Kelly is the latest player to be on the wrong end of Mumford’s brutal attack on the football, having been accidentally knocked out in Saturday’s win over Fremantle.
“I’ve apologised to him quite a few times,” he said.
“When you don’t have the skills of some of the other guys, you have to offer something and physicality is what I offer.”
Thursday’s milestone carries added significance because it is Mumford’s 100th match as a Giant.
The former Sydney and Geelong ruck’s two sons are now eligible to become the expansion team’s first father-son selections.
“The boys are going to be big boys,” Mumford said.
“My eldest, Ollie, always has a footy in his hand and kicks better off both feet than I do.
“Hopefully the Giants will be calling out his name and he’ll get a chance to play as a key forward. Because I certainly won’t be letting him play in the ruck.”
