WATCHING North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein destroy his side with a competition-record 80 hit-outs last season has helped inspire Greater Western Sydney star Shane Mumford's comeback from major ankle surgery.
Heading into round 11 against Collingwood at the MCG, the Giants were 7-3 and a win would have had them sitting in fourth place on the ladder and on the brink of a historic maiden finals berth.
But Mumford's year ended when his left ankle crumbled underneath him after a marking contest in the final term against the Magpies.
With co-captain Phil Davis (ankle) and Joel Patfull (punctured lung/ribs) having suffered significant injuries earlier the game, the Giants' season lurched into a downward spiral.
The patched-up Giants took on the Kangaroos at Spotless Stadium a week later and, with Mumford and his newly reconstructed ankle watching from home, Goldstein put on a masterclass against inexperienced Giant Rory Lobb in a 56-point thumping.
Mumford told AFL.com.au that being forced to witness Goldstein's performance – which earned him three Brownlow medal votes – and being powerless to stop it wasn't easy.
"He came out and played an absolute blinder, so it was annoying for me sitting at home watching it on TV," he said.
"Just seeing things like that gives you a real hunger to get out there and prove that you're able to beat these guys and push yourself against the best.
"They (GWS ruckmen) were pretty pissed off after letting him do that but to his credit, he's a great ruckman, and it was never going to be easy for them.
"It wasn't a great day for the boys, that one."
Shane Mumford grabs his injured ankle against Collingwood. Picture: Sean Garnsworthy, AFL Media
Goldstein's All Australian season made him the standout ruckman in 2015, but Mumford isn't bothered by the fact that his name might have faded out of the conversation about the league's best big men.
The 2014 GWS club champion – who was running third in last season's count until he went down against Collingwood – is happy for the Kangaroos star to take the spotlight.
"I'm not really one for individual awards and things like that; I'm more about playing my role for the team and helping us get wins," Mumford said.
"Obviously you want to beat everyone you come up against and I was really looking forward to the challenge that was coming that week.
"To miss out on that match-up, I guess, just gives me a bit more to aim for next year."
Mumford, who spent weeks in a cast and was given a special buggy to help him get around, attacked what he called "a mini pre-season" while watching the Giants slide down the ladder in 2015.
But the big man is hopeful he'll be close to doing full contact work before the Christmas break, and has no doubts he'll be ready to go early in the new year.
At 29, Mumford knows his role as the club's No.1 ruckman isn't his only important job at the Giants.
"I definitely haven't lost any hunger for the game and I want to be doing it for as long as possible," he said.
"I had a break overseas for a month after the Grand Final, but have been back at the club three days a week doing everything I can to give myself the best chance to return to my best.
"I'll be making sure I stir up these young ruckmen and it's great that I can help continue their development.
"Obviously not to take my spot anytime soon – but it's got to come to an end at some point, so the more I can help them, the better spot I'll leave the club in when they finally kick me out the door, because I definitely won't be hanging up the boots."
Shane Mumford's recovery from ankle surgery is progressing well. Picture: Supplied
