Greater Western Sydney have revealed that rookie forward Zach Sproule has required a second surgical shoulder procedure this off-season after suffering further setbacks at training.
Sproule hampered his right shoulder when it was dislocated during the Giants' semi-final defeat at the hands of Geelong, with the 23-year-old requiring surgery early into the off-season.
The key forward has now required surgery on his left shoulder after injuring himself during a marking contest at training.
The Giants are expecting Sproule to make his return in the opening half of the 2022 AFL season after going under the knife this week.
The Albury product made 10 appearances for the Giants last season as he held a key role in Leon Cameron's attacking third, booting 11 goals in his fifth season at the club while also pinch-hitting in the ruck.
The Giants have also provided an injury update for emerging defender Jack Buckley, who suffered an ACL injury in Round 16 last year.
The 24-year-old is expected to make his return in the middle bracket of the season after undergoing an arthroscopy on his knee.
Fellow defender Lachie Keefe is also expected to make his return to Cameron's side this season after suffering a similar knee injury last year, with the veteran backman tipped to return early into the year.
The Giants were able to confirm that Brent Daniels (hamstring), Xavier OโHalloran (calf) and Tom Green (forearm) have returned to full training after suffering injuries late into the 2021 season.
