Deledio, Mumford eye 2020
GWS veterans Brett Deledio and Shane Mumford are keen to play on next AFL season, provided their banged-up bodies are ready to go again.
Deledio, who has been restricted by a series of calf injuries since joining the Giants in the 2016 trade period, has now played six games on the trot and hopes to get through the remainder of the season without a rest.
Mumford, who came out of retirement this year, remains bothered by ankle and knee issues that forced GWS to rest him from Sunday’s clash with Brisbane at Giants Stadium.
But the imposing ruckman is feeling “pretty good” considering his unusual preparation for 2019, having surprised many at the club by missing only one match in the first half of the season because of his body.
The Giants are focused on securing the signature of indemand superstar Stephen Coniglio, but will soon turn their attention to out-ofcontract old hands Deledio, Mumford and Heath Shaw.
“I’ve always wanted to continue to play for as long as I could,” 32-year-old Deledio said. “My body has been the biggest issue. If that holds up then I’m more than capable, mentally to get the job done. If (football manager) Wayne Campbell and (coach) Leon Cameron see fit that I can go around again then more than happy to.
“If they go down a different path then so be it.” Mumford turns 33 on Friday.
“I’m much the same as Brett. I want to play as long as I can but I won’t be making any rash decisions until the end of the season, I’ll see how the body pulls up,” the ruckman said.
“One week I pull up quite well then other weeks I struggle to walk for most of the week then come good in time for the weekend.”