Shane Mumford to escape sanction after alleged mental health taunt aimed at Lance Franklin

GIANTS ruckman Shane Mumford looks set to escape sanction after an alleged mental heath taunt aimed at Sydney rival Lance Franklin.

Lance Franklin and Shane Mumford get into a push and shove. Picture: Toby Zerna

SHANE Mumford will front the GWS Giants after revelations surfaced that he taunted Lance Franklin in the Sydney derby final, allegedly over the Swans star’s battle with mental illness.

It’s understood Mumford has admitted to GWS bosses that he sledged Franklin with words to the effect of “good to see you’re not on holidays this year.”

The club refused to comment when contacted on Monday night, as did the Swans.

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At this stage the AFL appears unlikely to take action after no complaint was lodged by Sydney.

If Mumford is to be sanctioned, it would be internally.

However, pressure could rise from mental health groups for a strong statement to be made by the game if the allegations are verified further.

Lance Franklin and Shane Mumford push and shove. Picture: Toby Zerna

The unsavoury barb clearly references the extended leave of absence Franklin took that ruled him out of last year’s finals series.

“Leading into the finals, I was really struggling — I put my hand up and said I needed help,” Franklin admitted last year.

“I’m so glad I did it. I took some time away and it’s the best decision I’ve made.”

For Mumford to allegedly use Franklin’s personal struggles against him has overshadowed the Giants’ historic victory, although the Swans appear reluctant to push for punishment, with Franklin not lodging a complaint.

Melbourne Storm NRL star Billy Slater was heavily criticised in 2010 when he told Newcastle’s Cory Paterson, who had waged a long battle with depression, to “go and have a cry in your room”. Slater apologised and the NRL decided against taking action.

Shane Mumford celebrates with captain Callan Ward after beating Sydney. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Mumford has spoken with the club on the issue and will be grilled further, as the Giants also seek to make contact with Sydney and Franklin before determining an outcome.

In a hostile game, GWS young gun Lachie Whitfield was targeted by Swans players over the AFL investigation into drug allegations and potentially avoiding drug testing.

It is believed the midfielder was sledged throughout the game, a week after Swan Josh Kennedy said Whitfield’s off-field problems were not off limits.

The Giants steamrolled their cross-town rivals in the second half at ANZ Stadium on Saturday to move into their first preliminary final.