Shane Mumford decks opponent in disastrous return to footy

Shane Mumford has made his AFL return by playing the second half of an inter-club practice match against Sydney.

However, he might be in hot water already after flattening George Hewett with what appeared to be a strike to the face.

Hewett was sent crashing to the ground after he tangled with Mumford, but immediately bounced back to his feet with a smile on his face.

Mumford, who has come out of retirement forced by a foot injury in 2017, played the second half of game.

It was his first hit-out since he was caught up in a scandal late last year over a video of him snorting white powder.

He won’t be available for the Giants’ first two official matches of the season due to a suspension imposed after the footage emerged.

The video footage dated back to 2015, shortly after he suffered a season-ending ankle injury.

Sydney won 12.4 (76) to 7.10 (52) at Blacktown, with Tom Papley and first-round draft Nick Blakey each kicking three goals apiece for the Swans.

The two teams meet again in an official pre-season game at the same venue on March 2.

Gawn thrives with new AFL ruck rule

Melbourne star Max Gawn has shown how much a dominant big man could relish the AFL’s ruck rule change.

Gawn starred in Friday’s practice match against Collingwood at the Holden Centre, with the All-Australian ruckman in control at the centre bounces and around the ground.

Collingwood’s No.1 ruckman Brodie Grundy remains sidelined after a toe injury and Gawn took full toll.

The rule change means a player can take the ball out of the ruck without the risk of conceding an immediate free kick for prior opportunity.

Gawn stood out as the Demons won 11.6 (72) to 7.6 (48).

The two teams were missing several key players, with Melbourne co-captains Nathan Jones and Jack Viney and injured key position player Tom McDonald leading their absentees.

with AAP