After an injury plagued first half of the year, Swans ruckman Shane Mumford worked his way back to full form towards the end of 2012 season.
A back injury and subsequent back infection saw the Swans big man miss six weeks between rounds three and ten before playing every match but one for the rest of the year.
Mumford teamed with fellow ruckman Mike Pyke this season, allowing both players to spend more time in the forward line and adding extra strength to the Swans ruck combination.
Speaking to sydneyswans.com.au, Mumford said he will be aiming for a more consistent year in 2013.
How did you sum up your season in 2012?
My season was a bit up and down with the back and the infection, but I managed to get myself back into the team later in the year and we’ve gone as far as we possibly could!
What has been your highlight this year?
I think everyone is going to give you the same answer for that one - it’s got to be winning the premiership, without a doubt.
What areas of improvement do you think you’ve made this year?
I think I’ve probably gone backwards. I don’t think I’ve really improved too much this year. Playing limited games made it hard, but I’m looking forward to building up again next year.
How did you see the two ruck roles develop this year?
It certainly helped me a lot coming back from the injuries to be able to play forward instead of straight in the ruck and probably burning myself out.
Pykey has been a revelation. The way he played in that Grand Final was outstanding.
What other areas have you seen improvements in the team?
I guess just the way we’ve worked together this year. We’re all working really well as a group and it really has paid off.
What players have really improved this year?
A few people are going to say Jetta. He’s had an absolutely outstanding year. To be in the All-Australian squad of 40 and only just missing out, he really stepped his game up.
What was your most memorable moment from the Grand Final?
It was probably just the end of the game. We were on the bench and no one could actually tell us how long there was to go and Dean Moore was screaming down the phone every two seconds to try and find out but no one was talking back to him for a long time.
What did you do when the siren went?
I ran! Injured or not I ran out on the field and just embraced everyone and it was amazing.
What areas do you hope to improve on for 2013?
I just need to keep my body in the best shape I can and then I’d like to be able to get my fitness up a bit higher so I can run out the games a bit easier.
What are you doing in your time off?
I’m going over to the States and then to Cancun for a week, so I’m looking forward to just getting away and relaxing for a bit.
