Imposing GIANTS ruckman Shane Mumford has vowed to come back even bigger and better next year after having ankle surgery this week.

Speaking for the first time since the injury last Sunday, Mumford said the ankle reconstruction went well and he expected to be back in full training by November.

“I’m going to be coming back hopefully stronger, faster, fitter… all of the above,” Mumford said.

“The ankle is a bit sore at the moment still (but) I’ll be doing everything I can over the next six months to get myself right before pre-season so I can join in with the boys.

“Now it’s just a waiting game until I can actually start doing a bit more stuff again and slowly build it back up.”

Mumford landed awkwardly during a marking contest in the final quarter of the GIANTS’ round 11 clash with Collingwood at the MCG.

The 28-year-old was among a host of injured players from the match including co-captain Phil Davis (ankle), Joel Patfull (ribs) and Stephen Coniglio (shoulder).

“I went up for the mark amongst the pack and landed on Jarrod Witts’ foot and didn’t think too much of it initially until I went to run off and it felt a bit funny.

“After I went to jump a second time I felt the outside of my ankle and thought I better get off."

Spending an extended period on the sideline, Mumford now plans to work closely with the GIANTS’ young ruck division to help fast-track their development.

Although big shoes to fill, the GIANTS have ruckmen Rory Lobb, Andrew Phillips and Tom Downie waiting in the wings for an opportunity to perform at AFL level.

At 206cm tall, Lobb gets the first opportunity, leading the ruck against Todd Goldstein and the Kangaroos at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.

“You can see they’re definitely improving massively this year and now that they’ve got their chance they need to grab hold of it with both hands and not let go,” Mumford said.

“They are three very different ruckmen so it will be interesting to see how they go for the next few weeks.

“I will be doing everything I can to help guide them with who they’re playing against but hopefully not too much that they take my spot next year.”

The GIANTS host North Melbourne at Spotless Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park this Saturday at 4.35pm. CLICK HERE to get your tickets now.