Retired GWS star Shane Mumford has quashed any concerns about Dawson Simpson's future following the Giants ruckman's season-ending ankle injury.
Simpson has played only 39 games in an injury-plagued career since making his debut in 2010, but was in outstanding form for the Giants during nine appearances this year.
The 29-year-old was one of four casualties from finals-bound GWS' 105-point smashing of Carlton on Sunday after fracturing his ankle.
Mumford, the Giants' ruck coach after retiring last year, expects Simpson to bounce back next season.
The pair have known each other for more than a decade, going back to their time at Geelong when they were drafted to the Cats in 2007.
"You really feel for the guy (Simpson), he works his guts out and tries as hard as possible week in, week out," Mumford said.
"He finally got his opportunity to play some good footy and he'd grabbed it with both hands.
"From what I've seen early on he's in good spirits and I don't think there'll be too many ramifications down the track with the injury.
"It's something he'll recover from and he'll back playing some good footy again."
Simpson had been a revelation since earning a recall in round 14, with the Giants winning six of seven games since his return.
He had eased the ruck burden on Rory Lobb, allowing the 25-year-old to spend more time up forward.
But Lobb will reclaim the No.1 ruck title for the Giants' clash with Adelaide in Canberra on Saturday night.
Mumford said Adam Tomlinson and even co-captain Callan Ward will help Lobb going up against Crows big man Sam Jacobs.
While Simpson, Brett Deledio (calf), Toby Greene and Sam Taylor (both hamstring) won't play at Manuka Oval, Tim Taranto, Dylan Shiel, Ryan Griffen and Sam Reid are a chance to return.
