mumford_74282_01 pgc8: AFL footballer Shane Mumford (left) said nothing beats returning home to Bunyip and feasting on a home-cooked meal from mum Janet (right). Picture: Roman Kulkewycz
By Roman Kulkewycz
WHEN the 2006 football season ended, Shane Mumford, won the best and fairest award for Bunyip and was runner-up in the Ellinbank and District Football League Medal.
Life was good for the 20-year-old country footballer.
He was well underway in his plumbing apprenticeship and enjoyed socialising with his mates. Footy was nothing more than something he enjoyed.
But as preseason kicks off and Mumford prepares for his fifth year in football’s top flight, the 199cm ruckman reminisced on the turning points that elevated him into one of the country’s best ruckman while on a recent return to his native town of Bunyip.
It was in 2006 that friend and former Port Adelaide forward Jason Davenport suggested the local ruckman try his hand at reaching the AFL.
And that’s what Mumford did.
He trained hard, shed 20kg, greatly improved his fitness levels and reinvented himself as a footballer.
He joined Geelong in 2007 but it was a disappointing year as he only played six games in the premiership winning side and was replaced in the grand final by Steven King.
After a good 2009 season with the Cats he was once again disappointingly replaced towards the end of the season by controversial ruckman Mark Blake.
Approached by the Sydney Swans, Mumford accepted a three-year, million dollar deal (which has been extended to four years).
He is currently one of the toughest, most respected and best ruckman in the AFL.
He says he loves the lifestyle in the Harbour City with its beaches but as there is “no place like home” he is a regular visitor to Bunyip to see his family and friends.
“I come home whenever I get the chance and I spend a lot of time driving around to catch up with my mates,” Mumford said.
“I love my mum’s cooking too.”
