MUMFORD’S RETURN NOW IN DOUBT

GRAINY three-year-old footage has cast doubt on former premiership star Shane Mumford’s prospects of making an AFL comeback.

The AFL is investigating vision of the former GWS, Sydney and Geelong ruckman appearing to snort a white powder while encouraged by chanting onlookers.

The Giants, his present employer, confirmed the shirtless man in the video was Mumford and said the 172-gamer has expressed deep remorse, embarrassment and distress over his actions.

“The club understands the incident took place in 2015 shortly after Shane had suffered a season-ending injury in Round 11 that year,” a GWS statement read. “The club is extremely distressed by the footage and views Shane’s ac- tions as completely counter to the club’s values.”

The AFL is likely to punish Mumford, given what happened after similar incidents involving St Kilda defender Jake Carlisle and Fremantle player Harley Bennell. If Mumford decides to attempt a comeback, the league could hand him a suspension of about two or three games.

News broke of the video yesterday and Mumford’s name was made public just as the AFLW draft was starting in Melbourne. AFL executives quickly left the draft function without comment after the first round of selections.

Mumford, who won a premiership with Sydney in 2012, worked as a part-time ruck coach for GWS this season after being forced into retirement at the end of 2017 because of a serious navicular injury. But the 32-year-old, whose foot has reportedly healed, was in line for a possible shock AFL return next season to bolster the Giants’ ruck stocks following the loss of versatile tall Rory Lobb.

GWS has indicated it intends to stick by Mumford but it’s unclear whether the revelation has sunk his push for a second stint in the AFL.