GWS are preparing to be without veteran midfielder Callan Ward for a large chunk of the season following a shoulder injury in the win against Collingwood.
After an impressive night for the Giants which saw them dominate the reigning premiers on the scoreboard, Ward was forced from the ground when faced with Pies forward Beau McCreery and subsequently subbed off in the third term.
Landing heavily on his AC joint, the former Bulldog is expected to miss up to eight weeks but fortunately won't require surgery.
"I've never done a shoulder before, so I was like 'can I keep playing with this or not?'"
Sneaking suspicion: Callan Ward's pretty tough. #AFLGiantsPies pic.twitter.com/rwvLufRfLs
— 7AFL (@7AFL) March 9, 2024
However, despite some commentary surrounding McCreery's tough tackle, AFL GM of Football Operations Laura Kane didn't see it worthy of a sanction.
โI am (comfortable with it not being a dangerous tackle). We worked through that with our MRO,โ Kane toldย SEN WA Mornings.
โAs we always do with these, we look at them case by base and we have to assess them on their merits and it's not just an outcome that triggers a sanction or a charge, it's all the criteria that exists in the guidelines, so yes, I am comfortable with where we've landed with that one."
More bad injury news was on the agenda for the Giants, with running defender Isaac Cumming expected to miss more football.
Already battling a quad issue that kept him to a modest preseason, the right-footer suffered a calf injury during his recovery over the weekend and could also miss up to two months.
Finn Callaghan is also in doubt for Round 1's clash with North Melbourne after accidentally stepping on a nail, according to AFL.com.au.
However, the club looks ready to welcome back Harry Perryman into the lineup after being declared "fit and available" by Giants Head of Medical James Rahme.
"We're pleased to declare Harry fit and available this week after holding him back for the Opening Round match last week. As a member of the leadership group, we know he is invaluable to the side, and we look forward to seeing him to return to the side this week,"ย Rahme said.
"We now have a clear understanding of Callan's shoulder injury and whilst he is set for a stint on the sidelines, it's a great result that his injury won't require surgery. He's a tough and resilient athlete, so I'm sure he will be doing whatever it takes to return as quickly as possible.
"Disappointingly for Isaac, he's been dealt a further setback injuring his calf in the final stages of his quad rehabilitation. However, similarly to Callan, he'll approach his rehab with diligence and professionalism."
After starting the 2024 season in fine form, the Giants will look to add another early win against the Kangaroos at ENGIE Stadium on Saturday, March 16.
