Ruckman Shane Mumford is set to return to the Swans line-up this Saturday, for the NAB Challenge match against the Gold Coast Suns at Southport.

The 2010 Swans Club Champion runner-up, said he was looking forward to taking the field after a busy summer of rehabilitation on his injured knee.

“It’s been a long road this preseason and I’m finally over the hurdle and looking forward to getting back out there this Saturday,” he said. 

“My body is feeling really good at the moment and the fitness is slowly getting there, it’s going to take a few matches under my belt but I’m sure I’ll be fully ready to go come round one.

“I’m probably in a bit better shape than I have been over the last couple of the years. With the new interchange rules, I’m probably going to have cover more ground during matches, so the extra fitness is a good thing,” Mumford said. 

When Mark Seaby was struck down by injury in round six last year, Mumford established a formidable ruck partnership with Mike Pyke.  With Seaby back in action in 2011, Mumford says the competition for ruck spots at the Swans will be strong. 

“We’ve got Seabs coming back from injury, Pykey had a great season last year and Dan Currie has had a really good preseason, so having four ruckman battling it out for two spots is definitely going to help the side, the more the blokes we have competing for spots the better off we’re going to be”.

The Swans have met the Gold Coast Suns once already this preseason, going down in a tight finish at Blacktown Olympic park.

Along with Mumford, the Swans will welcome back defender Nick Smith, who has also recovered from a knee injury.