Shane Mumford in hot water for practice match hit on George Hewett

Tom Naghten

Shane Mumford in hot water for practice match hit on George Hewett image

Returning GWS ruckman Shane Mumford was already going to have to wait at least two rounds before playing AFL in 2019 following a club-imposed suspension, but that wait could be extended following Friday's practice match against Sydney.

Mumford lashed out at Swan George Hewett late in the Giants' 24-point loss to their cross-town rivals at Blacktown International Sports Park on Friday morning.

The vision shows Mumford taking issue with an arm around his neck as the ball was in the air, eventually throwing a hand towards Hewett's head.

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It's not clear whether his fist was closed or not but Hewett was able to get up and take the free kick.

Check out the video below.


At the end of last season the AFL confirmed a host of new rule changes and interpretations, among them a crackdown on off-the-ball hits, though punches would be viewed the same as previously.

If the 32-year-old is suspended, the AFL confirmed that the ban could not be served concurrently with his existing suspension.

Mumford was fined $25,000 and rubbed out for two matches after a several year old video of him snorting a white powder emerged on social media.

That means he will not be available for matches against Essendon and West Coast, while an additional suspension could keep him out of clashes against Richmond, Geelong and Fremantle.

After retiring from football at the end 2017 due to persistent ankle injuries, Mumford announced his comeback recently, filling a hole for the club following the departure of Rory Lobb to Fremantle.

Mumford will still be allowed to feature in GWS' JLT Series campaign which gets underway against Sydney at Blacktown on March 2.

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.