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Shane Mumford (born 5 July 1986) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Greater Western Sydney Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He started his career at Geelong, before going to the Sydney Swans, where he played in their 2012 premiership team.

Early career
In 2006, Mumford was the recipient of the Bunyip Football Club best and fairest award, as well as being the runner-up for the Ellinbank and District Football League medal. After being made aware of his abilities by Geelong VFL player, Jason Davenport, who was also in the AFL side as a rookie, Geelong's VFL side welcomed Mumford into their ranks for the 2007 season. It became quite a disappointing season for Mumford, only playing in six games for the premiership winning side, (being replaced by Steven King for the VFL Grand Final, and then the next week, Steven King replaced Mark Blake in the 2007 AFL Grand Final), but his pure rucking ability won over the Geelong recruiters, who then drafted him with their last pick (57) in the 2007 Rookie Draft.

Geelong
After being drafted, Mumford showed up to pre-season training having re-invented himself, losing 20 kg and improving his fitness levels. Mumford was elevated from Geelong's rookie list on 23 April 2008, due to long-term injury of Matthew Egan, and was then immediately named to play in his first match in Round 6 - the following weekend. He replaced fellow ruckman Trent West to take part in Geelong's one-point win over Fremantle at Subiaco.

2009
After a good season in 2009, where he was replaced in the side by ruckman Mark Blake towards the end of the year, Mumford accepted a deal from the Sydney Swans which saw him move to the Harbour City on a three-year million dollar deal (which has now been extended to four years).

Overall Mumford played in 18 of 22 regular season matches and was overlooked for the 2009 AFL Grand Final which was won by the Cats.

Sydney Swans
The Swans had high expectations of Mumford following Mark Seaby's injury. During 2010 the Swans were inpressed with Mumford's improvement considering in 2009 he was only a Geelong Rookie. Mumford was named in the 44-man squad from which All-Australian selection would be made but narrowly missed out when the actual team of 22 was chosen. Mumford finished second in the 2010 Sydney Swans Bob Skilton Medal, 9 votes behind Kieren Jack.

Mumford was suspended for two weeks in his return to Geelong in round 7 following a spear tackle on Gary Ablett Jr., in a match Sydney lost by 67 points. Mumford again got into trouble for a similar tackle against Carlton in round 16, but no tribunal action was taken.

Mumford returned against Hawthorn in round 10, being one of the Swans' best players as they lost by just two points, despite outscoring the Hawks by 11 goals to 10. His best game for the Swans came against Essendon the week after, with a season-high 46 hitouts against the Bombers whose ruckman David Hille was injured in the same match.

Mumford injured his knee in the Swans' round 21 win over the Western Bulldogs and as a result missed the round 22 win over the Brisbane Lions.

At the end of the 2010 season Shane Mumford was third in the AFL for hitouts despite missing three matches due to suspension and a knee injury.

2011
Another strong start to the year set Mumford up for a successful 2nd season at the Swans. Unfortunately injury and suspension didn't allow him to have as good a year as in 2010 when he finished runner up in the Bob Skilton Medal. He still managed to finish 8th in the 2011 count however, underlining his importance to the side and the quality and consistency of his play when he is fit.

2013
After another solid season Mumford chose to move to the Greater Western Sydney Giants at the conclusion of the season. The deal was specified as a three year contract, where Mumford would be the Giants number one ruck man. Pressure for Mumford to depart escalated after the 27 year old Hawthorn Spearhead Lance Franklin flagged his intention to join the Sydney Swans on a nine year contract worth 1.4 million dollars per year.

Numberz
1. 1

Statistics

 * Statistics are correct as of 18 October 2013 (end of 2013 season). Averages are in brackets.