SHANE Mumford's shock comeback could become reality, with the retired ruck enforcer looming as a potential answer to Greater Western Sydney's ruck shortfall.

Mumford, 32, was forced into retirement 12 months ago due to a navicular fracture in his left foot.

But the 199cm brute has stayed on as the Giants' part-time ruck coach and remained in top shape by training for a boxing match next month.

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With stringbean tall Rory Lobb set to depart to Fremantle, GWS will need extra ruck support for 2019 and Mumford could be on the cusp of a stunning return.

"He's been running around a bit. His foot was really bad at the end of last year and we had some advice from doctors that he couldn't play on," general manager of football Wayne Campbell told NAB AFL Trade Radio. 

"He's been our ruck coach. There was one training session where I think he touched up all the rucks, so we thought 'gee, we should maybe explore this'.

"There's a fair bit of water to go under the bridge, but we'll have a look at what happens over the next four to six weeks and potentially look at having Shane on our list for 2019."

If Mumford returns he would need to nominate for the draft, and be available to every club.

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The Giants aren't the only club in need of ruckmen, with West Coast scouting options to replace star Nic Naitanui (knee) and Scott Lycett (Port Adelaide) next season.

GWS' salary cap squeeze means Lobb, gun midfielder Dylan Shiel, Jeremy Finlayson and Will Setterfield are set to find new homes during the Trade Period.

"We've known this has been coming for a couple of years due to lots of reasons, as has been well documented we've got some salary cap issues we need to deal with," Campbell said.

"We need to get the right deal for the club, or some of those could be playing for the Giants next year."

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Campbell confirmed the Giants wanted draft picks for Shiel, who has nominated Essendon as his preferred destination.

North Melbourne is interested in Finlayson, while Setterfield is headed to Carlton and Lobb will be traded to Fremantle.

"We met with them (the Dockers) on Monday and they're really keen on Rory and see him as a really valuable player for them," Campbell said.