THERE was a time when Shane Mumford was happy to show Sam Naismith the ropes, but you get the feeling the in-form youngster now has a target on his chest.
Mumford had just played a pivotal role in the Sydney Swans’ 2012 premiership.
The Swans took a punt on a raw ruckman at the NAB AFL rookie draft, and Mumford worked alongside Naismith the following season, before switching to the Giants.
The veteran has been an outstanding recruit for GWS, and won the club champion award in 2014, while Naismith has struggled with injuries in his four years in the system.
But with Swans' ruckmen Kurt Tippett (hamstring) and Callum Sinclair (knee) missing large chunks of footy in the second half of the season, the 24-year-old has played the past eight matches and is starting to fulfill his potential.
Arguably the most important player on the GWS list, Mumford said he'd approach this week's historic qualifying final clash with the Swans in the same aggressive fashion he does every game, which isn't great news for his younger opponent.
"Yeah, if he gets in my way I'll try and get him," Mumford laughed.
"But I'll go out with that same intent, and same attack on the ball as always, and if I can clean up a few blokes early, I'll be quite happy.
"I actually spent a bit of time training with him before I left the Swans, so I know him quite well.
"He's really improved this year so it's going to be a big challenge for me.
"With (Kurt) Tippett going out, Naismith got his chance and he's really relished it.
"He stepped up and will probably play a fair chunk of the game in the ruck this week."
This week's all-Sydney final will be a two-part celebration for Mumford, who brings up his 50th game for the Giants, and his 150th senior game overall.
Leon Cameron is expecting Shane Mumford to lead from the front against the Swans. Picture: AFL Photos
One of the game's great characters, the 30-year-old said he was excited about his first taste of September action since losing a preliminary final to Fremantle in his last game with the Swans, but hadn't given his personal milestone much thought.
"It's a good achievement but I don't think there's any more significance to this game than any other," he said.
"It's just another game and I'll look to go out there and play the same as I have for the 149 I've played.
"It's a bit strange playing against guys you've played in a premiership with, but I've done it enough times now that it doesn't affect me too much.
"There's no point looking at the past, we've got to look at the future and that starts this Saturday."
Coach Leon Cameron said Mumford – as one of only six Giants to have played a finals match – would provide the leadership his side needed against the Swans this week.
"He's the perfect mould for finals footy because he likes contact, and he likes to play with aggression," Cameron said.
"He's a competitive player and there's likely to be around 80 to 100 stoppages on the weekend.
"He's been there and done that with the Swans, so it's good for our young group to have a big presence in the ruck, which we need in these types of finals games."
