GWS co-captain Phil Davis has praised premiership ruckman Shane Mumford, suggesting he has returned to the club “as hungry as ever”.
Mumford, who retired from football at the end of 2017, rejoined the Giants as a rookie via the AFL's new pre-season supplementary rule in November last year.
Following an interrupted start to the pre-season due to serving a club-imposed suspension, the 32-year-old is moving as well as ever, according to Davis.
“He’s been outstanding. He’s up and flying at the moment, doing a bit of match simulation,” Davis told SEN Breakfast.
“It’s great to have him back, we really missed him last year, we thought his career was over with some of the injuries he sustained at the end of 2017.
“He’s got the hunger — and I think that’s the most important thing. He’s had some time off and he’s come back as hungry as ever.
“His training form has been outstanding and we think he can play a big role. He’s hungry and he’s actually moving around as well as I’ve seen in my time.
“The proof will be in the pudding, but we’re pretty excited about what he can do."
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Davis is confident the return of Mumford will give the Giants that missing edge as they look to better their semi-final appearance from last year.
“He’s a really dominant ruckman, not just his work in the ruck area, but his ability to compete on the ground,” he added.
“He’s just such a great competitor with ruck craft.
“He might not be as big as the Max Gawns and the like, but gee he goes hard and does whatever it takes for the team to win.”
Leon Cameron's side take on Essendon in their season opener on March 24 at Spotless Stadium.
Listen to Phil Davis' chat on SEN Breakfast with Tim Watson and Sam Edmund in the player below