GWS Giants Hit by Major Injury Crisis
The GWS Giants are facing a significant injury crisis as veteran midfielder Josh Kelly prepares for groundbreaking hip surgery that will sideline him for at least the first half of the 2026 AFL season.
Kelly will undergo what club officials describe as an "unprecedented" resurfacing procedure for his recurrent right hip issue before the Giants return to pre-season training in mid-November.
Unprecedented Procedure for Kelly
Club medical boss Andrew Ryan confirmed the seriousness of Kelly's situation, stating that no current AFL player has ever undergone this specific procedure. The surgery involves "some prosthesis components" but stops short of being a full hip replacement.
"It's a big ordeal for him because it's a bit of an unprecedented area as no AFL player that is currently playing has ever had this procedure," Ryan said in a club statement.
The 30-year-old vice-captain managed just 15 appearances this season due to persistent hip and calf problems, though he delivered a standout performance in the Giants' 19-point elimination final loss to Hawthorn.
Ryan indicated the rehabilitation process would be extensive, with at least six months required before Kelly can resume running.
Multiple Giants Undergo Surgery
Kelly isn't alone in his off-season recovery challenges. Star forward Jesse Hogan has undergone surgery to remove bone spurs from his right foot after being sidelined for three weeks from round 21 due to navicular bone pain.
The 30-year-old Hogan previously fractured the same bone in 2019 while playing for Fremantle. According to Ryan, Hogan will remain in a rehabilitation program until Christmas before hopefully returning to training in the new year.
Small forward Brent Daniels also went under the knife after a season limited to just six appearances. Daniels initially suffered an abdominal strain, returned in round 13 for two matches, then picked up an adductor injury. His planned finals return was derailed by a calf strain.
Ryan confirmed Daniels had "significant surgery around that abdomen and groin area" and is currently in recovery, with strength rebuilding and conditioning work planned leading into Christmas.
Expanding Injury List
The Giants' medical room continues to fill with additional players facing rehabilitation. Darcy Jones requires a knee reconstruction after rupturing the ACL in his right knee during the qualifying final against Hawthorn.
He joins Nathan Wardius (ACL), Conor Stone (foot), Jack Ough (shoulder) and Toby McMullin (foot, ankle) on the growing sidelines list as the club prepares for their 2025 campaign.
