Mumford to front GWS over Franklin sledge

Greater Western Sydney captain Phil Davis insists AFL clubs should sanction anyone who taunts a fellow player about mental illness.

Davis’ comments come after reports claimed his Giants teammate Shane Mumford sledged Lance Franklin during his side’s qualifying final win over Sydney.

Mumford admitted to club bosses he told Franklin words to the effect, “it’s good to see you’re not on holidays this year” in Saturday’s derby, according to News Corp Australia.

The AFL is unlikely to step into the situation, and the Giants will reportedly speak to the Swans before determining an internal punishment.

Mumford is then expected to meet with the club again.

The ruckman, who won a premiership with the Swans in 2013, was involved in a mid-match scuffle with Franklin.

Franklin made the call to skip last year’s finals series for the Swans to deal with “ongoing mental health issues”.

Davis said he didn’t hear the alleged comment, but he is adamant any player who sledges another about mental illness should be punished by their club.

“No doubt if anyone has stepped over the mark they’ll get the clip,” Davis told SEN Breakfast.

“Because it’s important that not only do we try and raise awareness, but we act accordingly as well.”

However Davis claimed all sledges he had heard on an AFL field were above board.

Swans midfielder Tom Mitchell also said he didn’t hear the comments, but expected the Swans and AFL to investigate.

“If it was the case it would be a little disappointing. Mental health is something we take pretty serious,” Mitchell told Sky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast.

“I’m sure if anything like that happened that the club would look into it and the AFL would look into it.

Franklin made the call to skip last year’s finals series for the Swans as he battled ongoing mental health issues.

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