GWS Giants midfielder Tom Green faces a potential season-ending injury after suffering a serious knee issue during an intra-club match simulation.
Injury Occurs in Pre-Season Clash
The 25-year-old vice-captain twisted his left knee while evading a tackle from forward Toby Bedford on Friday. Green’s leg buckled as he changed direction, leaving him unable to bear weight. Trainers assisted him off the field after he struggled to stand independently.
Scans are pending, but the club anticipates the worst. GWS Giants football general manager Jason McCartney stated, “Our medical team has assessed the injury. Unfortunately, they’re confident it’s an ACL tear.”
McCartney added, “It’s looking like a worst-case scenario, but we’re hoping for the best. He was in shock, like the coach, myself, and most of his teammates. Tom’s reasonably upbeat, but it’ll take a while to sink in.”
We are hoping for the best, but fearing the worst regarding a suspected ACL injury. — Jason McCartney, GWS Giants GM of Football
Major Blow to Giants’ Midfield
Green, the reigning club best-and-fairest winner and All-Australian, enjoyed a standout 2025 season with averages of 29.7 disposals and 8.5 clearances over 23 games. The Giants’ premiership hopes ended in a 19-point elimination final loss to Hawthorn.
His absence compounds issues for coach Adam Kingsley. The team lacks veteran Josh Kelly due to a hip injury and has retired Callan Ward. Recent recruit Clayton Oliver, a 2021 Melbourne premiership player and fellow All-Australian, becomes even more vital.
Oliver and Green showed strong chemistry before the injury. Assistant coach Ben Hart noted, “They’ll get together at some stage, no doubt. Clayton’s been a great addition, building strongly on the field. It’ll be a shame if we can’t see them pair up, but he’s doing wonderful things.”
Other Midfield Updates
Finn Callaghan missed training due to soreness but expects to play in the round-one clash against Hawthorn on March 7. Veteran Stephen Coniglio, limited to 10 games last season by a glute nerve issue, reports his strongest pre-season in four years.
Hart praised Coniglio: “He’s had probably the best pre-season since I’ve been here and looks really strong, back to using his speed.” Emerging talents Harry Rowston and 19-year-old Jack Ough also feature prominently.
