Tom Green ruled out of Giants’ clash against the Crows with hamstring injury
The Giants are one of the form teams in the AFL as they search for their fifth win in a row but will take on the Crows without one of their star midfielders.
GWS
Don't miss out on the headlines from GWS. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Giants have been dealt a blow for their clash against the Crows with Tom Green ruled out for the trip to Adelaide.
Green complained of hamstring soreness on Thursday before being sent for scans.
The 22-year-old midfielder has been one of the Giants’ best this season as he continues to take his game to the next level. He has averaged 31 touches a game this season, including 38 disposals in the win against Melbourne a fortnight ago.
“Scans came back this morning that it’s a hamstring, so we’re going to miss him,” Adam Kingsley said.
“It happened yesterday morning, he was just a little uncomfortable with it.
“But another guy will come in to get his opportunity through the midfield, whoever that is when we decide.”
The Giants are searching for their fifth win in a row and Green’s absence adds to an already depleted group travelling to Adelaide.
Xavier O’Halloran and Lachlan Keeffe both picked up injuries against Hawthorn and are set to be on the sidelines for several weeks.
However, one of the standouts for the Giants in their recent run has been former captain Stephen Coniglio.
The 29-year-old has career-high averages in disposals (28.9) and clearances (5.6) while also being third in the competition for score involvements (121).
It’s the sort of form that Kingsley expects of his star midfielder, but it certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“He’s been really strong across the rest of the year, not only last month,” he said.
“With Josh (Kelly) being tagged, Tom (Green) not at his usual level, Cogs was the one who stepped up and dragged us across the line in the end [against Hawthorn].
“I’m pleased for him. He’s fit, he’s understanding exactly what we want out of him, and he acts on it.
“It’s his work on defence that I value the most. His ability to pressure the opposition, create tackles and generate turnovers. That’s where his real value this year for us has lied.”
While the Giants had another important victory against Hawthorn last time out, it came without a strong performance from Josh Kelly.
In All-Australian form going into the match, Kelly was limited to only six touches after being expertly tagged by Finn Maginness.
“[We] spoke about options that he does have if and when he gets tagged next … so he’s armed with a few more tools now which will hopefully be able to help his influence be greater than what it was against Hawthorn,” Kingsley said.
“Probably as a team, we didn’t help Josh enough also. So that’s also something we’ll take home not only Josh but as a team.”
The Giants’ clash against the Crows is set to be crucial with both teams sitting on 32 points just outside the top eight. Kingsley knows that regardless of the result, their performance has to build on the momentum they currently have.
“We watched their game against Collingwood quite closely,” he said.
“Clearly, they’re capable, particularly at their home ground. It’s going to be a really tough game.
“It’s really important when you do have this form and you’re feeling good about yourself that you try and maximise it the best you can.
“We’ll back ourselves in and we’ll have a go at it and see where it takes us.”
Originally published as Tom Green ruled out of Giants’ clash against the Crows with hamstring injury
Concern for Giants’ stars as Stringer impresses again
Jake Stringer looked incredibly strong in his biggest hitout for GWS to date, but two other Giants exited Friday’s match simulation early.
‘Positions up for grabs’: Leake keen for Giant start as Devils loom
GWS are looking towards the next generation and Tasmanian James Leake is eager to break into the side. Plus the young Giant touches on his future — with the Devils entering the AFL in 2028.