Mumford, Davis hammer blows for GWS
Greater Western Sydney’s hopes for a debut finals campaign have been hit hard by more dire injury news, with in-form ruckman Shane Mumford ruled out for the rest of the AFL season, co-captain Phil Davis for up to two months and Stephen Coniglio at least two weeks.
Both Mumford and Davis hurt their ankles during last Sunday’s loss to Collingwood in what proved to be a costly trip to the MCG.
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Mumford, who was in career-best form, will undergo surgery later this week on his left ankle after suffering a torn deltoid ligament late in the 42-point defeat.
Davis was forced off the field late in the second term with an ankle sprain and the Giants said on Tuesday the injury will sideline him for 6-8 weeks.
The double injury blow comes only a day after defender Joel Patfull was ruled out for at least a month with two broken ribs and a punctured lung.
Mumford’s absence for the rest of 2015 is a massive blow to the Giants, who are fifth on the table and aiming for the finals for the first time since the club’s inception in 2012.
Mumford has been in top form this season, ranked in the top five in the competition for hit-outs and tackles.
“He’s seen a surgeon today and unfortunately they’re going to have to reconstruct his ankle which is disappointing,” said Giants coach Leon Cameron in a statement.
“He’s an important part of our footy club and everyone’s aware of what he’s done so far in his short time here.
“It’s probably a four-to-six month recovery so come pre-season he’ll be ready to roll.”
Midfielder Coniglio will miss at least two weeks with a grade-two shoulder injury to his AC joint, also suffered in the final term against the Magpies.
His playing prognosis is helped by the fact that GWS enjoy a bye after this Saturday’s home clash with North Melbourne.
In better injury news for the Giants, defender Lachie Plowman will play in the NEAFL, his first match for the season since he dislocated his elbow in January.