After a breakout 2010 season in his first year at the Swans, ruckman Shane Mumford had to endure periods of frustration during this year’s campaign.

After missing three wins from rounds 10 to 12 with a build-up of fluid in his knee, Mumford was suspended for a further two games upon his return following a sling tackle on Carlton’s David Ellard in round 13.

Mummy put this mid-season slump behind him, however, and was one of the Swans most influential players in the latter stages of the season. In the last ten games of the season, the 25-year old averaged 14 possessions, four marks, and an incredible 39 hit-outs per game.

Mummy speaks to sydneyswans.com.au about his highlights of 2011, and where he believes he and the team can get better next year.  

What most pleased you about the team's performance this year?

I think the younger guys that came into the side and really gave us a lift, holding down key positions in the team, like Sam Reid at centre half forward and Alex Johnson down back, then Luke Parker coming in late. They really had a good presence out on the field.

What was your team highlight for the year?

Beating Geelong down there, after no one’s been able to do it for so many years, was definitely a good win and helped us build a bit of confidence towards the end of the season.

After frustrations with injury and suspension, how did you sum up your own season?

I think I finished the year reasonably well. I had a bit of a down patch during the middle (of the year) when my knee was getting a little bite sore, and then I sort of found my feet a little bit after coming back without that soreness in my knee.

Do you think you improved in any areas this year?

I think my marking is one thing that has definitely improved, and my goalkicking. I didn’t get that many shots, but I think I kicked something like 10.2 - so I think I’m probably one of the more accurate people in the team.

What areas will you work on in the pre-season?

I still think my marking needs a bit of work, so when I go forward I’m catching everything, and probably just my aerobic capacity. Being out on the ground I think an extra 20 minutes a game, I want to be able to cover more ground and run the other ruckmen into the ground.

Where do you think the team needs to improve to take the next step?

We’ve just go to start playing four quarters of footy. We’ve shown that our best is right up there when we do it, but we’ve only been doing it for quarters here and there. If we can do it for four quarters, we could be well and truly beating the top four sides.