SYDNEY Swans ruckman Shane Mumford is the first to admit he's had a frustrating season.

After an outstanding first year at the Swans, when he finished runner-up in the club's best and fairest to Kieren Jack, plenty was expected of him heading into 2011.

The former Geelong ruckman started the year well, but was troubled by a knee injury that eventually sidelined him for three games, from rounds 10-12.

Upon his return, Mumford was suspended for a sling tackle, resulting in another two weeks watching from the stands.

The stop-start nature of the season has made it difficult for Mumford to consistently produce his best football, but he is now focused on a strong end to the year.

"I've been up and down a fair bit and I guess that comes with being in and out of the side with injury and suspension," said Mumford, who has played 32 matches for the Swans after 21 with the Cats.

"You just start to find your form again and then I'm back out.

"I started really well, but then died off a little bit before having the few weeks off with the injury.

"But my ruck work was reasonably solid last week (he had 52 hit-outs against Fremantle), so hopefully this week if I can do the same and find more of the ball around the ground, I'll be happy."

Mumford's suspension for a rough conduct charge on Carlton's David Ellard followed a two-week ban last season for a similar tackle on ex-teammate Gary Ablett.

It meant the 25-year-old had to spend time altering his tackling technique, but it is already paying off.

"I've had to change the way I tackle and I've actually pulled out halfway through tackles," he said.

"I've let blokes go rather than hang on to them the whole way to the ground. It's just not worth the risk.

"My first game back the umpire actually said to me, 'You did well to let him go there'. It's a split-second thing, but it's always in the back of my mind now. It's something I won't be forgetting anytime soon."

Mumford expects to have his hands full this weekend when he battles veteran Western Bulldogs ruckman Ben Hudson at the SCG.

Both players stand 199cm, with the Swans ruckman two kilograms heavier at 108kg, and both have a similar physical approach to ruckwork.

But, far from shying away from the battle, Mumford knows he can put the Swans well on their way towards a crucial victory if he can perform at his best.

"Definitely, especially at the SCG. If we can get good, solid centre clearances, you're getting it deep inside your forward 50," he said.

"If I can give our midfielders first use, it's going to get us a long way towards winning the game."

Swans coach John Longmire also knows his No. 1 ruckman is keen to re-discover his best form.

"He's still getting back into the form and fitness he wants and he's got a challenge against Hudson," Longmire said.

"He's really keen to have a good game."

Mumford's life has changed significantly since moving from Geelong to Sydney's eastern suburbs, but he has handled it well.

"I love it up here," he said. "I'll be happy if I'm up here for life.

"Hopefully footy lasts another 10 years - that'd be nice. But I'll play up here as long as I can."