GWS veteran shares brutal photos after post-season surgeries

GWS Giants star Stephen Coniglio has revealed the brutal extent of his AFL injuries after undergoing posteason surgery.

Stephen Coniglio after his postseason surgeries.

GWS Giants veteran Stephen Coniglio has given an insight into the brutal face injuries he suffered in his last game of the season.

Coniglio underwent successful facial surgery after coming off worse for wear in his side’s semi-final loss to the Brisbane Lions.

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A collision with Giants forward Aaron Cadman and Lions defender Harris Andrews left Coniglio with several fractures in his face.

The game was stopped before Coniglio was subbed out.

Giants Stephen Coniglio is injured in this marking contest with Aaron Cadman and Brisbane's Harris Andrews. Photo: Phil Hillyard.

Coniglio’s face after the collision. Photo: Phil Hillyard.

The Giants gave up a 44-point lead to the Lions, who fought back to win the semi-final by five points. Brisbane went on to win the premiership, becoming just the second team to go all the way from outside the top four.

Coniglio has now shared the full extent of his injuries after undergoing surgery, sharing photos and videos of the left side of face looking swolen, and his eye looking bloodshot.

He also had shoulder reconstruction surgery to address an injury he had been managing during the season.

He thanked his wife and young daughter for their support.

Stephen Coniglio had post season surgery. Photo: Instagram.

He is recovering from facial surgery. Photo: Instagram.

“Maybe the most difficult & challenging 6 weeks I’ve had in my career, which would have been a lot harder without the support of my two angels being there every step of the way @rebeccalconiglio,” Coniglio wrote on Instagram.

“Recovering, reflecting and plotting how I’m going to come back stronger and better than ever. Always blessed. See you soon.”

The Giants said Conigilio “will resume running next month as he recovers from successful facial and shoulder surgery”.

Coniglio's eye was red. Photo: Instagram.

Coniglio is on the mend. Photo: Instagram.

The club said in a statement: “Coniglio was substituted out of the GIANTS’ semi-final clash with the Brisbane Lions on September 14 following a nasty collision in a marking contest.

“Having since undergone facial surgery and a shoulder reconstruction, Coniglio is on track to return to running next month as the star midfielder prepares for his 14th AFL season in 2025.

“The GIANTS will commence pre-season training on November 25 for the club’s 1- 4-year players, with the remainder of the playing group to officially join the group the following week.”

Giants ruckman Kieren Briggs also post-season underwent knee surgery and will resume running prior to Christmas.