GWS superstar defender, Sam Taylor is out indefinitely and will miss this Saturday's Sydney derby against the Swans after suffering a ruptured testicle in the Giants' 22-point win over Port Adelaide.
The news comes as a shock, as the 25-year-old was able to play out the entire game against the Power with no apparent concerns coming out of the match.
The club shared that the recently re-signed key defender went through surgery on Tuesday and is now recovering at home.
It leaves the club undermanned for their crucial clash this Saturday against the top-of-the-table Swans, while also dampening hopes of a late Giants' surge back into the top four, where they resided in the opening stages of the season.
An away clash with Adelaide before meetings with Carlton, Richmond, Gold Coast and Melbourne present the club in the five weeks after this Saturday, presenting a pivotal block of games if they wish to re-enter the premiership discussion.
Taylor's absence not only diminishes the club's hopes of grand success, but his own chances of otherwise likely accolades, being a notable All-Australian candidate as perhaps the premier key-defender in the competition.
GWS will provide further updates in the coming days.