JAKE Spencer says he is aspiring to become a player like former Geelong, ex-Swan and now GWS ruckman Shane Mumford. 

Having taken on Mumford in Melbourne’s round three loss to the Giants, Spencer said he had firsthand experience of the 2012 Swans premiership player’s influence – he had 60 hit outs against the Demons.

“Shane Mumford’s probably the player I want to aspire to be, so it was really good to learn firsthand how he goes about it,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“For me, it’s about consistently giving effort and being that big body and giving the mids a chance to be in the contest in the ruck.

“I don’t have the best skills in the world, so watching him and what he does off the ball – he makes his midfield walk a lot taller and that’s the presence I eventually want to give our midfielders.”

Spencer had previously played against Mumford in 2008, when they were both rookies in the VFL.

“It was a long time ago. He’s improved a fair bit since then,” he said.

With ruckmen Mark Jamar and Max Gawn sidelined at the start of the year, Spencer has carried the No.1 ruck mantle for Melbourne in 2014 and he is determined to keep it up. 

“The way the game’s going, especially with the rotations, it might be a bit hard to have two genuine ruckmen. I love every minute, even if it can be taxing at the time,” he said.

“With Mitchy [Clark] not coming back and Fitzy (Jack Fitzpatrick) hasn’t cemented that forward/ruck role, there’s every chance they might play two rucks every week, instead of having a forward, who can pinch hit in the ruck,” he said.

“Now that I’ve got the No.1 ruck, I don’t want to give it up – that’s the goal for me to keep it now,” he said.

Despite his determination, Spencer said he still wasn’t comfortable at the highest level and knew he had to work tirelessly to keep his position in the 22.

“I still feel like I’m only one or two bad games away from being swapped out,” he said.

“With Gawny and Russian – they’re pretty good ruckmen as well – so it’s good for the club. I feel confident on the field, but I don’t feel settled or comfortable yet.

“I was fortunate that I was the only big man up and going when games started and now that the other two are back playing, it’s about playing well and holding that spot, which is a great opportunity for me and I love every minute of it.”

Spencer, who is averaging 29 hit outs per match this season – and is eighth overall for total hit outs in the AFL, said he was growing in confidence each week.

“Statistically, my round one [game] against St Kilda looked pretty good, but I don’t think it was my best game. I think my game against St Kilda [in round 19] last year was my best [career] game. The stats were good, but I didn’t think my ruck work was overly clean,” he said.

“I thought round one was a bench mark game, but I struggled big time against Mummy and struggled a little bit against West Coast as well. It’s pretty good coming up against two or three of the best ruckmen in two weeks – that’s the best bit about the season so far.

“I’ve played on some pretty good players and I want to learn a bit from everyone and put it in my own game. I was a bit more consistent and the gap between my best and worst has been a little bit closer this year.”