Shane Mumford and Brett Deledio keen to play on beyond the 2019 season

The Giants couldn’t be in better shape heading into the bye period. But what does the future hold for its crew of firing veterans? Plus, updates on Stephen Coniglio and Jon Patton.

Shane Mumford wants to play on in 2020. Picture: Getty Images

Cut-price ruckman Shane Mumford is determined to extend his second stint at the Giants beyond this year.

The Gippsland raised-star came out of retirement this season and despite a two-week internal suspension for prior drug use has enjoyed an excellent year.

The elite pressure player is No.2 in the league behind Max Gawn for hitouts to advantage and second for tackles behind only Brodie Grundy.

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His manager, Anthony McConville, told the Herald Sun Mumford and another of his clients, Brett Deledio, were keen to play again next year.

McConville said Mumford, who turns 33 in a fortnight, had the fire in the belly to continue his career resurgence.

“He is definitely up and about and more than keen to go again. The conversation needs to be had with the club about what that would look like but the expectation would be Shane would go again given where his body is at,” he said.

“As Leon (Cameron) said, everyone is battered and bruised so that bye has come at a good time. Shane is no different but he wants to play on.”

The club’s football boss Wayne Campbell again reiterated his confidence in securing Stephen Coniglio’s signature on Sunday despite St Kilda, Carlton and Hawthorn chasing hard.

Shane Mumford wants to play on in 2020. Picture: AAP Images

“All I can say is we’re really confident that Stephen will be here next and long term as well,” he said.

Jon Patton is 2-4 weeks away from a NEAFL recovery after his third knee reconstruction and having dropped weight is in excellent shape as his return nears.