Giants still like Mummy
SHANE Mumford is still likely to be a GWS player again in 30 days time despite a dramatic video emerging showing him snorting cocaine in 2015.
News Corp yesterday revealed Mumford was at the centre of a drugs drama, caught on a video snorting a line of cocaine that was later distributed on messenger service WhatsApp.
Mumford will likely dodge an official strike under the league’s illicit drugs policy because he is not currently playing after retiring from persistent injuries last year.
But he will be assessed by the AFL integrity departement for bringing the game into disrepute.
It is understood the Giants and AFL could follow the lead set in the Jake Carlisle drug case, where he was suspended for two weeks, which he served with new club St Kilda.
GWS has not made an official decision on redrafting Mumford at the November 23 pre-season and rookie draft meeting, but is seriously considering bringing their current ruck coach back on to the list.
He could be redrafted but only eligible to play AFL again from Round 3 or 4.
The video of Mumford taking drugs emerged on the weekend, with insiders saying Mumford was “devastated” by the fallout but determined to own his mistake.
The video was recorded while at a private party in Melbourne with everyone involved believing the video had been deleted that night.
“The club is extremely distressed by the footage and views Shane’s actions as completely counter to the club’s values,’’ GWS said.
“The club will be working with Shane to ensure he engages in a rehabilitation program along with a range of other measures. Shane has expressed deep remorse, embarrassment and distress in relation to his actions.”
The incident took place shortly after Mumford required serious season-ending ankle surgery he had believed might have ended his career.
One of Mumford’s confidantes said yesterday: “He is devastated. It is pretty raw but he has a wife and kids to think about. He needs to collect himself and make it right.“
With Rory Lobb traded to Fremantle and the Giants’ ruck stocks limited, Mumford’s redrafting shapes as a critical part of their list build.