Shane Mumford: Former Swans and Giants ruckman backs Lenny Hayes’ move to the Bathurst Giants during visit to Dubbo
Former AFL ruckman Shane Mumford has embraced his time in the central west, visiting schools and clubs across the region to inspire the next generation.
Dubbo News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Dubbo News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Former AFL ruckman Shane Mumford has embraced his time in the central west, visiting schools and clubs across the region to inspire the next generation.
Mumford most recently played for the GWS Giants where he has continued with the club as a ruck coach, although he was an AFL premiership winner with the Sydney Swans in 2012 after signing from Geelong in 2010.
“It’s actually been really enjoyable, all the kids have jumped at the opportunity to play AFL and us coming out and trying to teach them some new skills and we’ve had a lot of fun doing it,” Mumford said.
“I think it’s great to promote AFL around here in what is probably more a rugby heartland, but to be able to come out and see the kids kicking the footballs around, the biggest thing is just getting them out and getting active.”
“It might not even be about AFL, it’s just about playing all sports, getting kids out and participating as much as possible because it’s just a great way to live your life as a young kid.”
Having played all but one year away from his home state of Victoria, Mumford accepted the difficult task of growing the sport in NSW – as he describes as a “rugby heartland”.
“It’s always going to be a hard battle, just with a lot of people set in their ways with wanting their kids to play rugby,” he said.
“But the changes I’ve seen since I signed with the Swans many years ago is ridiculous, it’s huge.
“The amount of participation numbers for kids, male or female playing AFL footy has gone through the roof.
“I know when I first got up here you go out to schools and kids had no idea what was going on, what the ball was, how to kick it, how to handball it, but now you go out and all the kids already know the skills.”
Mumford played 216 games in total throughout his career and since retiring last year, his time as a ruck coach has allowed him to get among the junior players, like in Dubbo on Thursday.
“I love doing these sort of things and going out and seeing improvements that you’ve made just with helping kids with their skills,” Mumford said.
“That’s why I do it and I do it now at the Giants – it’s because I love teaching these young guys the craft of playing footy and I guess whenever you see them improve or when they go on the field and do something well it reflects back on you, it’s quite a nice feeling. “
On Wednesday night, Mumford spent some time with the Central West Giants Development Squad in Dubbo, and he was impressed with the quality of football on display.
Despite the considerable difficulties for junior players in the bush to reach the same levels as players in the metro areas, Mumford said it was “just a matter of recruiters going out (to regional communities) and finding them”.
“You have to find the players wherever they are, there certainly has to be good, young kids out in the country that probably haven’t been found just yet, or not had the opportunity to play in the under 18s comp or something like that,” Mumford said.
“There’s some really good kids here.”
In the latter stages of his time in the region, Mumford spoke with Lenny Hayes, a Norm Smith medal winner and a new signing with the Bathurst Giants who play in the AFL Central West competition.
The 297 game AFL player shocked Bathurst players when he accepted an invite by a friend to join in on a training session and from there, he jumped at the opportunity to get back out on the field.
That’s an unbelievable signing,” Mumford said.
“I was chatting with Lenny about it yesterday and I was actually asking how many games he’s going to play.
While Hayes is unsure how many games he will play, Mumford said it was a “brilliant name to put to your competition”.
“It’s unbelievable to get somebody of his quality and calibre, like he was an absolute superstar,” Mumford continued.
“I’m not sure how he’s moving these days but it’s fantastic.”
E-bike rider seriously injured in cop chase
A police pursuit in Dubbo was brought to a halt when an alleged fleeing e-bike rider plunged off an embankment and smashed into a creek bed, leaving him with serious injuries.
‘Tragic loss’: Tributes flow for boy found dead at swimming hole
A “talented” teenage rugby player whose body was found after he vanished at a popular regional NSW swimming spot is being remembered as a “loving brother, son and friend”.