‘Mummy’ is Giants concern
AFL: North Melbourne great David King says Greater Western Sydney’s decision to lure Shane Mumford out of retirement last year may come back to haunt them in Saturday’s preliminary final against Collingwood.
The 33-year-old has played 18 games in 2019 but was completely dominated by Brisbane star Stefan Martin in last Saturday night’s semi-final at the Gabba.
The Giants are reportedly set to sign Sam Jacobs from Adelaide on a two-year deal, after the ruckman lost his place to Reilly O’Brien this season.
But with dual All-Australian Brodie Grundy waiting at the MCG this weekend, King believes the Giants should have made a bolder play for a better ruckman this time last year.
“They should’ve spent a first-round pick last year and I think it’ll be something we review really critically in hindsight after the weekend or the weekend after that,” King said.
Mumford conceded eight free kicks in the Giants’ threepoint win over the Lions on Saturday night.
“He had nine touches and gave away eight free kicks,” King said. “Now they go up against Brodie Grundy. What’s going to happen there?”
GWS vice-captain Stephen Coniglio has been ruled out of the clash.
The Giants released a statement stating he hasn’t been able to overcome a knee injury.
“Stephen’s been a week-to-week prospect and while training really well, he won’t be ready for Saturday’s game,” Giants General Manager of Football Wayne Campbell said.
“We’ve said all along that if he’s not 100 per cent ready then we won’t take any risks.”