GWS are facing setback after setback as they prepare to line up against an in-form Carlton squad.
Josh Kelly will miss this weekend after hurting his calf again, with scans revealing a strain that will sideline him for four to five weeks.
Half-back gun Lachie Ash did not appear at GWS's main training as he battles a corked calf and is in doubt for Saturday's night clash also, according to AFL.com.au.ย
These are two big losses for coach Adam Kingsley's side for what will be a huge game on Saturday.
On Thursday, Kingsley was asked if there is a problem at the club with soft-tissue injuries and load due to the extensive number of players experiencing similar injuries.
"We have done a lot of work... I felt like we were over the hump, Kelly again hurting his calf, maybe we haven't solved the problems in that space, so we continue to dig and work out why, adjusting our program accordingly," said the GWS coach.
Kingsley said selection may look a little different this weekend, with the coaching panel having to determine whether to keep some players in the AFL or to let them have a stint in the VFL to build their confidence and find form.
"A discussion about a bunch of players not just Callum Brown will happen," said Kingsley.
Kingsley said Aaron Cadman and Darcy Jones are likely to return after two weeks in the VFL, where Cadman was impressive in the air and Jones great a ground level.
"Both of those guys (Cadman and Jones) in the past two weeks have been really strong in the VFL. Both have played the way we want at the VFL level. It looks likely that they'll play," Kingsley said.
Sam Taylor is still a month away from a return, putting extra strain on the Giants' backline and placing greater pressure on players like Leek Aleer to stand up. Kingsley also emphasised Taylor could be sidelined for longer, depending on how he reacts to training.
"It's hard to really know. It'll be dependent on how he reacts to running. We have to just wait and see how he progresses. Hopefully, it is four or shorter but there's a chance it could be longer,โ said Kingsley.
Asked if it was 'win or bust' this week in terms of contending for the flag, Kingsley was quick to knock the suggestion back.
"Nup, nup... we need to re-establish the way we play and play a brand we walk off the ground we are proud of... if we do that all the results take care of themselves," said Kingsley.
The Giants will line up against a star-studded side in the Blues, with GWS needing to shut down Carlton's influential players in Charlie Curnow, Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh to have a chance to win.
Kingsley said Toby Bedford will play another tag role this weekend on one of the Carlton guns, likelyย Walsh.
This weekend is a huge clash for GWS and will decide the rest of their 2024 season. It will determine what their run towards September will look like.
GWS host Carlton Saturday night at ENGIE Stadium.
