'Absolute legend': Fans hail AFL veteran after second retirement
Greater Western Sydney have led the tributes to Shane Mumford after the veteran ruckman announced he was hanging up the boots for a second time.
Mumford has decided to end his AFL career again, despite making a shock comeback with the Giants after injury forced him to initially retire in 2017.
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Mumford had been weighing up his future since the Giants' finals exit in September.
It was expected the 35-year-old would call it quits but delayed the announcement until Friday.
Mumford, who started his AFL career at Geelong in 2008, became one of the most consistent, physical and intimidating big men in the game.
He bows out after 216 games with the Cats, Sydney Swans and the Giants, after initially retiring in 2017 due to a serious foot injury.
After a year as GWS' ruck coach in 2018, where he also started a professional boxing career, Mumford felt fit enough to return to the field in 2019.
"Over 200 AFL games in the physical manner and the position in which Shane played is a wonderful achievement," GWS football boss Jason McCartney said.
"From the rookie list to 13 seasons at the elite level, including a premiership, Shane has achieved a lot in his career.
"He arrived at our club in just our third season, and he has had a monumental impact on our club."
He says he will cherish playing in the Swans' memorable 2012 grand final triumph over Hawthorn.
"My time on the football field has come to an end for now," Mumford said.
"I'm incredibly proud of all that I've achieved across my career in the game including winning the ultimate, a premiership, in 2012."
AFL fans congratulate Shane Mumford on incredible career
Fans took to social media on Friday to congratulate the popular big man on a glittering career.
The storied career of one of the decade’s most consistent ruckmen will come to an end (again), with Shane Mumford to finish up after 13 seasons at the elite level 🧡
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) October 29, 2021
Absolute legend. Will miss seeing those classic Mumford tackles. 🧡 https://t.co/q8eGhmpwnZ
— Jessica (@jessicaak_01) October 29, 2021
Congratulations to Shane Mumford who has today announced his retirement.
79 games and the 2012 premiership in the red and white! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/86T1iiVKdL— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) October 29, 2021
Great 👍 career Shane Mumford. 😊😊😊😊👍👍👍👍👍
— Luke Russo (@LukeRusso15) October 29, 2021
I'm going to miss Shane Mumford running around for the @GWSGIANTS.
Glad he'll remain at the club, scaring people and putting media nerds into sleeper holds. Oh and he'll coach the young rucks.
My lasting memory of him as a player is post the 2016 Qualifying Final. pic.twitter.com/GZtnwOjEH5— Ryan Miller (@Ryan_DMiller) October 29, 2021
Congratulations on one hell of a career Mummy. Always the entertainer.. and so giving of his time to make others better. Selling goal square candy will always be a highlight https://t.co/wczTs7vYUD
— Alicia Eva (@AliciaEva2) October 29, 2021
Good for him. He'll be missed for sure though
— 4th And Long Radio LLC (@FourthLongRadio) October 29, 2021
Mumford will revert back to his role as a ruck coach at the Giants next season.
Despite playing through significant pain during his three-season comeback and struggling to play every week, Mumford will now leave a huge hole in the Giants' team.
GWS are hopeful Braydon Preuss can overcome his injury battles after arriving from Melbourne ahead of last season.
with AAP
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