Veteran Giants Brett Deledio and Shane Mumford want to play on in 2020 for that ultimate prize
Greater Western Sydney veteran Brett Deledio says there is one driving reason that ‘continues to get me out of bed and working hard every day’, and it’s the same for Shane Mumford, but can their bodies hold up?
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Brett Deledio isn’t about to let go of his premiership dream without a fight and he’s “100 per cent” switched on to extending his Giants stay.
It’s the same story for teammate and fellow veteran Shane Mumford.
It’s just a question of making sure the body is on board when the time comes to make the call at season’s end.
Deledio, 32, and Mumford, who turns 33 on Friday, both appear to have the hunger and drive for more as they continue to be carefully managed by the Giants’ medical staff.
However, both expect to have a spell out of the side before the end of the current campaign to ensure the engines keep turning over.
Mumford’s spell arrives this weekend with soreness ruling him out of the Brisbane Lions clash on Sunday.
Deledio says the mind is certainly willing and while there’s a genuine chance of that elusive flag, he’s not about to walk away.
“100 per cent (desire to continue). I’m not ready to give it up just yet,” he said. “I still love every day I get to come out and do what I do. My body’s been the biggest issue and if that holds up, I’m more than capable I think mentally to get the job done.
“I’ve always wanted to continue to play for as long as I can because you’re a long time not playing, as my old man has always told me. If I get the opportunity, if Wayne (Campbell) and Leon (Cameron) see that I can go round again then I’m more than happy to. If they go a different path, so be it, they’re the cards I’ve been dealt.”
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“But it’s (premiership) the reason you keep getting up and striving and probably gets you through those darker moments. It’s that final goal you’re looking to achieve and I haven’t lost sight of that and that’s what continues to get me out of bed and working hard every day.
“I’m chasing it, I’ve got some great mates who’ve won one and they’ve told me how good it is so I’m looking to do the exact same they have.”
Mumford admits his involvement is a week-by-week proposition but he too is still loving his football.
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“One week I’ll pull up quite well and other weeks I struggle to walk for most of the week and come good in time for the weekend,” he said. “It’s getting that fine balancing act with what I do throughout the week.
“I obviously want to play for as long as I can but I won’t be making any rash decisions, see how the body pulls up at the end of the year and go from there.
“When I retired I guess I wouldn’t have thought there was any chance of me coming back to be able to play as many games as I have.”
Deledio is delighted to see Lachie Whitfield back for Sunday’s battle with the Lions.
“We’ll certainly welcome him back because he’s a pretty handy player to add to your mix,” Deledio said.
“His work rate’s incredible, as good as anyone I’ve ever played with. We’ve missed him.”
Originally published as Veteran Giants Brett Deledio and Shane Mumford want to play on in 2020 for that ultimate prize
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