SHANE Mumford could rejoin the GWS Giants as a player without nominating for the national AFL draft later this month.

But Mumford won’t be able to make an immediate impact, with his 2019 comeback reportedly set to be delayed due to a likely two-match suspension over three-year-old footage of him snorting a large quantity of white powder.

Despite an AFL investigation into the widely-circulated footage of Mumford casting doubt on his comeback, the Herald Sun reports that the ruckman is almost certain to resume his career at the Giants in 2019.

And the 32-year-old could join the Giants’ list as a rookie without the risk of rival clubs, who’ve shown interest in Mumford, swooping in the draft due to new AFL list rules.

“After speaking with the AFL, our understanding is that Shane has the ability to walk directly to the club of his choice as of the 1st of December without having to nominate for the draft,” Mumford’s manager Anthony McConville told the Herald Sun.

“We’ve been in positive conversations with the Giants regarding a potential comeback and are hoping it will be resolved in the coming weeks.

“Shane is fit and healthy and preparing himself for his second professional (boxing) fight later this month.”

However Mumford is unlikely to be available for the Giants’ Round 1 match against Essendon.

The Age reports that the Giants are likely to hand Mumford a two-game provisional suspension and fine — a punishment that would be supported by the AFL. He’d also likely receive a strike under the AFL’s illicit drugs code, as well as undergo counselling.

Mumford, who won a premiership with the Swans in 2012, stayed with the Giants this season after a serious navicular injury forced him to call time on his AFL career at the end of 2017.

However Mumford’s foot healed throughout 2018, where he spent most of the year with the club as a ruck coach.

The Giants indicated in early October that he was in-line for a possible shock return in 2019 to bolster the club’ ruck stocks following the loss of versatile tall Rory Lobb to Fremantle.