GWS Giants

GWS provide latest on star defender, young midfielder as Sydney prepare to welcome back forward spark

Both the Giants and Swans have released injury updates ahead of their first finals bout.

Published by
Mitch Keating

GWS defender Sam Taylor and young midfielder Finn Callaghan are listed as tests to face St Kilda in Saturday's elimination final.

Taylor missed his side's Round 24 meeting with Carltoin due to a hamstring injury sustained the week prior, with the key backman a late withdrawal from the club's final home and away season encounter.

The 2022 All-Australian remains no certainty to line up against the Saints this weekend for the Giants' first final, with Taylor needing to prove his fitness at training in the coming days.

Callaghan, who has been hindered by Achilles soreness over the past month, is also needing to ramp up his training loads after last featuring in Adam Kingsley's side in Round 20 against the Western Bulldogs.

“Sam and Finn are feeling good so far and will do everything possible to put their hand up for selection this week,” GWS medical boss James Rahme said in a club update.

“They've ticked all the boxes so far but will need to continue to progress this week and train strongly on Thursday.

2023-09-09T05:20:00Z

“We're looking forward to seeing how they go across the week.”

The Giants will have forward Xavier O'Halloran (hand) and ruckman Braydon Preuss (soreness) available after the pair got through a hitout against Sydney over the weekend unscathed.

Across town, the Swans will have small forward Tom Papley fit and firing on Friday night when Sydney head down to the MCG to face Carlton.

After missing the end of his side's home and away campaign due to hamstring tightness, Papley is anticipated to face the Blues to help keep the Swans' season alive.

Midfield-forward Justin McInernery still needs to prove his fitness to return from a calf strain, with the Swans to give the 23-year-old the coming days before making a call at selection.

"Tom is recovering well from the hamstring tightness he experienced against Adelaide. He trained solidly over the weekend and is expected to be available this weekend," a club injury statement read.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 04: Tom Papley of the Swans celebrates a goal during the 2022 AFL Round 12 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 04, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"Justin has now completed a month of rehabilitation from a calf strain and has returned to full training. He will be a test to play Carlton."

The Swans will face Carlton at the MCG on Friday night at 7:50pm (AEST).

Published by
Mitch Keating