In a devastating setback for the GWS Giants, star midfielder Tom Green has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during a routine training session, sidelining him for the entire 2025 AFL season.
Training Session Turns Sour
The injury occurred on Tuesday morning at the club's training facility in Sydney's Olympic Park. Green, who is widely regarded as one of the competition's premier on-ballers, landed awkwardly after a contest, immediately clutching his right knee.
Club medical staff swiftly attended to the 23-year-old, and subsequent scans confirmed the worst fears: a complete tear of the ACL. This type of injury typically requires reconstructive surgery and a rehabilitation period of nine to twelve months.
Impact on GWS Giants' Campaign
Green's absence creates a massive void in the Giants' engine room. Last season, he averaged over 30 disposals per game and was a central figure in their run to the preliminary final. His combination of brute strength at the contest and elite ball use made him nearly irreplaceable.
Coach Adam Kingsley expressed his dismay, stating, "Tom is not just a fantastic player; he's a leader within our group. This is a cruel blow for him personally and for our football club. We will rally around him and support him through his recovery."
Looking Ahead for Green and the Giants
For Tom Green, the focus now shifts to surgery and a long, arduous rehabilitation process. The club has indicated he will undergo surgery in the coming days, with a full support team dedicated to his recovery.
The Giants' football department must now urgently reconfigure their midfield plans. Potential internal replacements include young gun Finn Callaghan and veteran Stephen Coniglio, who may be asked to spend more time in the centre square.
This injury also places increased pressure on the club's other star midfielders, such as Josh Kelly and Lachie Whitfield, to elevate their output. The loss of a player of Green's calibre so close to the start of the season is a significant hurdle for a team with genuine premiership aspirations.
