GWS Giants Midfielder Tom Green Faces Season-Ending Knee Injury
In a devastating blow for the GWS Giants, star midfielder Tom Green's 2026 AFL season appears to be over before it has even begun. The newly elevated vice-captain suffered a serious knee injury during an intra-club match simulation on Friday, leaving the club preparing for the worst-case scenario.
Training Incident Leaves Green in Shock
The 25-year-old midfield bull was attempting to evade a tackle from forward Toby Bedford when his left leg became caught as he tried to change direction. Green was slow to get off the ground and attempted to rise without assistance, but was unable to bear any weight on his injured limb. Trainers had to help him from the field as the gravity of the situation became apparent.
Giants football boss Jason McCartney confirmed the club's fears, stating that medical staff are 'confident' Green has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. 'We are hoping for the best, but fearing for the worst regarding a suspected ACL injury,' McCartney said, adding that Green was 'in shock' following the incident.
Career-Best Season Cut Short
Green's potential absence represents a hammer blow for the Giants, coming off a career-best 2025 season where he averaged 29.7 disposals and 8.5 clearances across 23 games. The All-Australian midfielder had been instrumental in the Giants' campaign that ended with a 19-point elimination final loss to Hawthorn.
'He's reasonably upbeat, Tom, but it'll take a while to sink in, I'd imagine,' McCartney noted, acknowledging the psychological impact on the player who had been in good spirits just days earlier during a media briefing.
Midfield Reshuffle Required
The injury makes the acquisition of 2021 Melbourne premiership player Clayton Oliver even more crucial for coach Adam Kingsley. Oliver and Green had been forming a formidable midfield partnership during pre-season training before Friday's incident.
Assistant coach Ben Hart lamented the potential loss of this combination: 'They were combining well. Clayton's been a great addition to the footy club so far. It'll be a shame that we won't see them together if the injury gets confirmed.'
The Giants are already without veteran midfielder Josh Kelly due to a hip issue and retired Callan Ward, putting additional pressure on their midfield depth.
Silver Linings in Pre-Season
Despite the setback, there were some positive signs for the Giants. Young gun Finn Callaghan, who missed training with soreness, is expected to be available for their opening-round clash against Hawthorn on March 7.
Veteran Stephen Coniglio, limited to just 10 games last season with a nerve issue, is reportedly having his best pre-season in four years according to Hart. 'He's got himself back to a level of using his speed,' Hart said of the 32-year-old who will represent Western Australia in Saturday's State of Origin clash.
The club will provide further updates following scans, but all indications suggest the Giants will need to navigate the 2026 season without one of their most influential players.
