Isaac Smith, Shane Mumford, Michael Ross to play for Bunyip

A Gippsland footy club’s bid to end its losing drought of 30 games has enlisted the help of three ex-AFL players for this weekend. Here’s how it all came together.

Bunyip will have three ex-AFL players in their ranks this weekend.

Bunyip is leaving no stone unturned in a bid to end a 30-game winless run this week.

The West Gippsland league club will have three ex-AFL players including Issac Smith, Shane Mumford and Michael Ross in their side when they take on Garfield on Saturday.

Smith’s involvement comes through the Carlton Draft where he was taken with pick one by the Dogs.

On the same night, a conversation with Jonathan Brown, the Draft commissioner, started the process to land Mumford.

“It wasn’t something we had thought of until Browny said ‘how good would it be if Mummy could play with Isaac’ in the same game,” Bunyip president Steve Sheppard said.

“At first it didn’t sound like it would happen, we weren’t sure if Mummy could get clearance from GWS (where he is an assistant coach) but we were fortunate enough he’s been made available.

“We’re pretty excited we’ve got him back for a game.”

Ross might not be a familiar name to many, he played two games for Essendon after being drafted with pick 80 in 2010.

Michael Ross when he was at Essendon.

Shane Mumford. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

He is also the cousin of Sydney star Tom Papley, another talent off the Bunyip talent production line.

“To get another local guy back on such a big day for the footy club is huge for us,” Sheppard said.

“Having these guys is really going to lift the spirits of the young guys who have been out there working every week.

“The last win came in round 18, 2022 – it’s been a while. We know they can do it, you can see it in their improvement every week.

“Hopefully Saturday is a successful day for the footy club.”

Ahead of his first game since retiring from the AFL, four-time premiership star Smith said fellow Carlton Draft member Matthew Lloyd had given him advice.

“Get an early touch and hopefully get the crowd the off your back,” Smith said of the Essendon champion’s advice.

“Hopefully I can get around the back for a few kicks. The main thing is we get around everyone and just have a great day.”

In terms of the shape he is in, Smith said he’s still in “pretty good nick” despite not having played since left Geelong last year.

“I’ve had 12 months doing stuff all to be honest,” he laughed.

“I’m really looking forward to having a kick, hopefully putting a few smiles on faces and raising some money for the footy club.”

Saturday’s game will be played at Bunyip Recreation Reserve from 2pm.

Entry is $12 for adults with kids free.