GWS Giants veteran Josh Kelly has opened up about his challenging 2025 AFL campaign as the former No.2 draft pick confronts a career crossroads shadowed by persistent injury concerns.
Unprecedented Surgery Looms for Giants Star
The 30-year-old midfielder is preparing for what club officials describe as "unprecedented" resurfacing surgery to address a recurring right hip problem that will sideline him for at least the first half of the 2026 season.
Kelly managed just 15 appearances during the recent campaign, battling both hip and calf issues throughout. Despite his limited availability, he delivered a standout performance as the Giants' medical substitute in their 19-point elimination final defeat to Hawthorn.
"Bit of a different 2025 reflection this one," Kelly shared on Tuesday evening. "Have spent the off-season looking back on the year and thinking about what's ahead."
He admitted struggling to reconcile his physical condition with his career trajectory, but maintained optimism about his recovery journey. "Have found it hard to come to terms with where my body and career is at but I'm excited about what's on the other side of getting right again."
Medical Chief Reveals Groundbreaking Procedure
Giants medical director Andrew Ryan confirmed the significance of Kelly's upcoming operation, noting it represents new territory for current AFL players.
"It's a big ordeal for him because it's a bit of an unprecedented area as no AFL player that is currently playing has ever had this procedure," Ryan stated.
The rehabilitation timeline appears extensive, with Ryan indicating at least six months before Kelly can resume running, followed by an intensive integration process back into full training.
Injury Crisis Extends Beyond Kelly
The Giants' medical room has been particularly busy, with several key players joining Kelly in undergoing off-season surgery.
Jesse Hogan required surgery to remove bone spurs from his right foot, the same navicular bone he fractured back in 2019 while with Fremantle. The star forward missed three weeks from Round 21 due to persistent pain.
Meanwhile, Brent Daniels endured an equally frustrating season, limited to just six appearances after battling multiple separate injuries.
The dynamic small forward initially suffered an abdominal strain, made a brief return in Round 13, then sustained an adductor injury after just two matches. His planned finals comeback was ultimately scuttled by a calf strain.
Both Hogan and Daniels have undergone their respective surgeries and are now focused on rehabilitation programs expected to continue until Christmas.
The Giants' injury list extends further with Darcy Jones recovering from knee reconstruction after rupturing his ACL during the qualifying final against Hawthorn.
He's joined on the sidelines by Nathan Wardius (ACL), Conor Stone (foot), Jack Ough (shoulder), and Toby McMullin (foot, ankle), creating significant challenges for the club's pre-season preparations.
Despite the daunting road ahead, Kelly remains determined. "I never planned for this to be my situation but can only make the best of what's in front of you and I'm looking forward to doing exactly that! Surgery tomorrow and ready to get back to feeling myself again. A long but exciting road ahead."
