GWS confirm blow for veteran, sidelined young gun’s setback revealed

The Giants’ strong Saturday night win was soured by an onballer’s injury.

GWS veteran Callan Ward will undergo scans on a shoulder injury that is expected to keep the midfielder out of action for an extended period.

Ward was subbed out of his side’s 32-point win over Collingwood after hurting his shoulder in a tackle in the opening half of the match.

A tackle from Magpies hard-nut Beau McCreery saw Ward land on the turf shoulder first, with the senior Giants onballer making his way off the field shortly after to gain medical treatment.

Needing just four more appearances to bring up game 300, the blow is an untimely one for Ward.

Speaking after the win, coach Adam Kingsley revealed the club suspects Ward has suffered an AC joint injury and is likely facing “months” on the sidelines.

“He’ll be scanned tomorrow and assessed. He’ll be out of the game for a while, it’ll be a couple of months I would think,” Kinglsey said.

“We’ll wait and see which path we go, whether it’s surgery or whether it’s not.

“It’s a difficult situation for him, obviously a disappointing way to hurt your shoulder but also with his 300th game approaching.

“He’s just going to have to wait a little longer unfortunately. Disappointing.”

Ruckman Kieren Briggs looked to have hurt his ankle late into the Opening Round affair but was seemingly able to shake off any concern.

Adding to the Giants’ injury woes however was an incident involving injured young gun Finn Callaghan, who was reportedly on crutches on Saturday after stepping on a nail at the beach earlier in the day.

According to 7 News’ Mitch Cleary, Callaghan – who is eyeing a return from a shoulder injury – will need to be assessed ahead of next week’s Round 1 clash with North Melbourne.

The Giants could also welcome back utility Harry Perryman for next weekend’s matchup, with a hamstring issue keeping the 25-year-old out of his side’s season opener.

Perryman looms as a suitable selection replacement for Ward, while midfield-forward Xavier O’Halloran caught the eye of Kingsley for his efforts against the reigning premiers.

“We’ll work out those answers,” the GWS coach said of replacing Ward.

“Xavier O’Halloran I thought played a really, really strong game tonight through the midfield and on the wing. In the short term I expect him to be the replacement.

“We’ll head to match committee to work out that next one. [Ward] will be a loss for us but we’ll cover him in his absence.”

GWS host North Melbourne at Engie Stadium next Saturday as they look to continue their strong start to 2024.

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