It’s hard to think of a new recruit who has made as big an impact in recent times as Shane Mumford did when he arrived at the GIANTS at the end of the 2013 season.
He impressed immediately, picking up three Brownlow votes for Best On Ground performances in both the Round 1 win against the Swans and the Round 3 victory against Melbourne.
After his stellar start, GIANTS CEO David Matthews labelled Mumford the recruit of the year back in April.
“Right now he is the recruit of the year,’’ he said.
“He brings enormous energy and confidence to the group because he has played in successful teams and is a big strong presence for our midfield.
“He is a proven winner, he has won wherever he has gone, and his tackling reflects his effort and his follow-up work has really impressed the coaches.
”After crossing from the Swans, Mumford played 17 games in his first year at the club, averaging 36 hit outs and six tackles a game.
Mumford took out the Kevin Sheedy Medal for the GIANTS’ 2014 Club Champion, polling votes in 13 of the 17 games he played in to finish ahead of Devon Smith and Callan Ward.
He ranked sixth in the competition for total hit outs, despite missing five games with injury, and second for hit outs per game.
Mumford also had 60 hit outs in the GIANTS’ Round 3 win over Melbourne, the third most ever recorded.
Immediately inducted into the GIANTS’ six-man leadership group, Mumford’s presence and form was a huge reason why the club jumped from one win in 2013 to six
wins in 2013 with the former boilermaker playing an important part in each of the victories.
“Shane has played an instrumental role in leading the GIANTS midfield this year,” said coach Leon Cameron.
“He is one of the leaders of the club and with the rest of the leadership group helps set the standards and behaviours of the playing group.
”The 28-year-old premiership player has now played 117 games and looks set to lead the GIANTS’ ruck department for many years to come.