GWS Giants remain confident Shane Mumford can hold his own against Max Gawn

Shane Mumford treads a fine line but ahead of a pivotal clash with Melbourne’s Max Gawn, the Giants are not about to demand a radical change of approach. Who will win the ultimate battle of the heavyweights?

Shane Mumford treads a fine line at times but ahead of a pivotal clash with Melbourne’s Max Gawn on Sunday, the Giants are not about to demand a radical change of approach.

Occasional fine-tuning may be in order but then that’s just fine with the man himself.

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The Giants are far more focused on the 32-year-old’s willingness to put his body on the line week in and week out — a priceless commodity in their eyes.

A shuddering impact is on the cards when the two ruckmen collide at the MCG.

The pair are no strangers, having come into close contact before.

The Giants ruckman was charged with making high contact with his opposite number when the teams met back in August 2017.

Mumford was rubbed out for one match but they meet again with Gawn currently sitting on top of the official AFL Player Ratings.

Shane Mumford and Max Gawn will go head to head on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

Since the start of last year Gawn has the highest percentage of hitouts won and more hitouts to advantage than anyone else. Away from the action he has just opened a wine bar in Melbourne — a passion of his.

Giants coach Leon Cameron is certainly relishing a vintage clash when the two ruckmen line up.

“It’s a huge battle,” Cameron said. “You’d have to probably say Gawn and Grundy are the two best ruckmen in the competition and it’s a massive challenge for Shane.”

Mumford escaped sanction after a collision with Carlton’s Marc Murphy last weekend left the Blues man with fractured ribs.

“There’s no doubt he runs a fine line at times but as a coach I’m absolutely rapt that he just wants to put his body on the line for our team every week. He tackles hard, he hits hard,” Cameron said.

“I think he’s made some adjustments to his game in terms of sling tackles and how he approaches it. Is he still going to run a fine line every now and again, probably because it’s in his blood he’s been playing that way for 14 years and it’s really hard to change. But what I am proud of is that he comes in every Monday and looks at it and says ‘yes, maybe I’ve got to look at that’. He’s still willing to learn at 32.”

Wayne Campbell, the Giants’ general manager of football operations, added: “Shane’s been in really good form. His body’s sound, he’s going well. That’ll be a really pivotal duel. I know Shane’s looking forward to it, coming up against one of the better ruckmen in the competition. He’s played well at the MCG before, Shane, so he’s really excited.”

The Giants love Shane Mumford’s attack on the footy. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The Giants received a boost on Friday with midfielder Stephen Coniglio confirmed to play after recovering from an injured finger

“It is pleasing,” Cameron said. “He’s an integral part of our team. They’ve (Melbourne) got a really good midfield as we know, so this midfield battle is so important this week. Adding Stephen to that mix is good for us.”

Isaac Cumming also comes in.

“He deserves his opportunity,” Cameron said.

Originally published as GWS Giants remain confident Shane Mumford can hold his own against Max Gawn