Richmond star Alex Rance defends Shane Mumford’s comments to Lance FranklinTom Morris
Foxsports
13th September 2016RICHMOND star Alex Rance has attempted to justify Shane Mumford’s alleged remarks to Lance Franklin.
Mumford has been reported to have sledged the Swans superstar with words to the effect of “good to see you’re not on holidays this year” during Saturday’s qualifying final.
Franklin skipped last year’s finals to deal with “ongoing mental health issues.”
“I think that was a good choice of words,” Rance told Nova FM.
“It is a tough one but if anyone is a resilient bloke on field its Buddy Franklin, he certainly peacocks and sticks his chest out. He gives it as well, I don’t necessarily think that it’s too pointed.
“I think it’s almost considerate. He could have said more harsh things towards the mental health aspect of things.”
Rance also indicated Mumford would have put thought into what he said.
“Mummy is one of those blokes, he’s one of the more loveable characters of the AFL, so anything that he says I’m sure he puts a bit of thought into and he’s not going to just blurt out any ridiculous cutting hurtful remarks,” he said.
“Anything you can say just to offset your opponent, you are probably going to do it especially when it is Buddy.”
Neither Franklin nor the Swans have made an official complaint about the Mumford comment, while Mumford has contacted the Sydney forward seeking to apologise.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/richmond-star-alex-rance-defends-shane-mumfords-comments-to-lance-franklin/news-story/b0d43b094373628c8793ed4e5b5b0427
