GWS Giants

Giants veteran “well ahead” of schedule, defender nearing return

GWS will return from the bye to face Gold Coast at Mt Barker Oval for Gather Round.

Published by
Aidan Cellini

GWS coach Adam Kingsley has provided an update on injured duo Callan Ward and Isaac Cumming as the club prepares for their Round 4 clash with Gold Coast in South Australia.

Named the "Expansion Cup" by the Giants media team, Kingsley's men will feature on Sunday at Mt Barker Oval in the Adelaide Hills, and will look to continue their stellar form from before the bye.

Seen training in the pouring rain back at GWS HQ, Ward has surprised the club with how well he's recovered from injuring his AC joint in Opening Round against Collingwood.

With an estimated return time of eight weeks, the former Dog has significantly reduced the period in which he was expected to be sidelined, with Kingsley saying: "He's well ahead (of schedule). Probably three weeks ahead of schedule."

"I would expect he will be ready for next week.

"He needs to get through a full week of training next week and then see how he feels after that.

"If he is (feeling good), he will certainly be up for selection then it'll be up to the match committee to put him in or leave him out.

"I wouldn't say he's guaranteed (to come into the senior side) but I would say he's a pretty strong chance. He's a pretty good player."

Ward joined dashing defender Cumming on the sidelines, who's had an interrupted pre-season.

Battling with a quad injury over the summer months, the 25-year-old looked set to have put the injury in the rearview mirror but was halted by a calf complaint.

Kingsley is adamant Cumming will return but admits there are a lot more boxes that need to be ticked.

"I imagine he's still a few weeks, probably three or four, would be my guess," Kingsley said.

"Again, there is a bit of work that needs to be done between now and then so all things going well, that is what the plan will look like.

"Hopefully we don't have any hiccups with it."

Published by
Aidan Cellini