THERE will be a big hole to fill in Greater Western Sydney's midfield this year after the retirement of Shane Mumford, but co-captain Phil Davis is confident others will step up and cover the loss of the 'enforcer'. 

Mumford gave in to his battered body at the end of last season, retiring prematurely after battling ankle, knee and foot injuries for the final three seasons of his 10-year career.

The popular big man was revered for his presence in the midfield and his ability to carve space for his teammates, but Davis was confident the Giants midfielders would cope without him. 

"It's an interesting one, because I don't think you'll see many enforcers like Shane Mumford," Davis told AFL.com.au at Captains Day. 

"He was outstanding and you walk a couple of inches taller when you play with Shane … but one thing we've got is a very tough midfield.

"Led by Callan Ward and Stephen Coniglio, our midfielders are tough. Do they have that big presence? Probably not, because they're not 100kg and 200cm.

"But we've got some pretty tough characters in there."

Coniglio is ready to take a big step up this season, Davis said, after a 2017 interrupted by ankle issues, but Tim Taranto shapes as the bolter in the midfield.

"I think young Tim Taranto has done a lot of good work," Davis said.

"He's obviously a high draft pick, but he has a great appetite to work hard and he is a seriously tough player.

"I really like him, but he's going into his second year, so I don't want to put too much pressure on him.

"People also forget about Stephen Coniglio. I think he's gone to another level as well."