Injury-hit Greater Western Sydney look likely to launch their assault on an inaugural AFL premiership without Ryan Griffen after the midfielder had ankle surgery on Monday that is set to keep him sidelined for three months.
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The former Western Bulldog was just weeks away from returning to the field but re-injured the ligaments in his left ankle during a simple training drill at the weekend.
Griffen last played in round three before with the syndesmosis injury, but this setback won't see him ready to return until the eve of the AFL finals. The Giants are tracking for a top four finish with a 9-2 record ahead of Sunday's match against Carlton and their mid-season bye.
GWS have already lost Matt Buntine and Adam Kennedy for the season with Jacob Hopper (finger), Devon Smith (knee), Stephen Coniglio (ankle), Nick Haynes (hamstring), Brett Deledio (calf) and Will Setterfield (ankle) all currently in the medical room. Â Â Â
Giants head of athletic performance David Joyce said Griffen's injury was more serious the second time around and he would miss 12 weeks.
"Ryan was progressing really well from his initial ankle injury and a few weeks from returning to the field," Joyce said.
"Unfortunately during a drill at training, he's re-injured the ligaments at the top of the ankle.
"It's a more severe injury this time around and required surgery, which he underwent on Monday.
"While it's no doubt frustrating for both Ryan and the club, we look forward to him continuing his rehab in the professional manner he has so far this season."Â
Steve Johnson (knee) and Rory Lobb (groin) face fitness tests for the Giants ahead of Sunday's clash against the Blues at Etihad Stadium. Both have missed the club's past two games. But Coniglio (eight weeks) and Smith (four weeks) are some time away from pushing back into the in-form Giants outfit.
Johnson has played eight games in 2017 yet fellow veteran, former Richmond utility Brett Deledio, is yet to overcome his calf complaint and take to the field for the Giants.
Meanwhile, the Giants will on Wednesday announce some player re-signings, but star midfielder Josh Kelly will not be among them.
The Giants will officially announce on Wednesday that Setterfield and fellow 2016 first-round draft picks, Tim Taranto and Harry Perryman, have all signed contract extensions.
Taranto has played all but one senior game this season, Perryman has made three appearances and Setterfield is yet to debut.
With AAP