Coniglio's return means a tough GWS selection call

GWS midfielder Josh Kelly speaks to the media at Tuesday training ahead of their semi-final. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)

Former captain Stephen Coniglio will return from his eye injury, leaving GWS with a tough selection call for their AFL semi-final against Port Adelaide.

The star Giants midfielder was a late withdrawal from Saturday's elimination final win over St Kilda because of blurred vision, after a ball had hit him in the eye at training.

HIs replacement Xavier O'Halloran played his role against the Saints, but Coniglio returned to training on Tuesday morning and is certain to be recalled for the sudden-death final against the Power on Saturday night at Adelaide Oval.

"It was unfortunate missing him on the weekend, but he was out there training today and feeling a lot better. So he'll be good to go," said Giants vice-captain Josh Kelly.

He was asked how unlucky someone will be to make way for Coniglio.

"Absolutely - everyone played their role on the weekend and played it really well," Kelly replied.

"When you have that kind of pressure for selection ... that's a sign of a really good team.

"It will be a tough one, but everyone's really understanding that's that the way it is, that's how you be a successful team."

Kelly was on light duties at Tuesday training, but said the team had a "clean bill of health" after the MCG match.

While the Giants have a solid 6-4 record in their last 10 Adelaide Oval visits, they have not beaten Port there since 2019.

Their most recent visit was a 51-point belting in round 22 that put the Giants' finals hopes in jeopardy.

"We learned a few lessons from our last time. We weren't at the level we needed to be and they played an outstanding brand," Kelly said.

"So we have to expect them to be at that level again. We just have to raise how we (go) about it."

Kelly added their scouting of Port would be a mix of that round-22 loss, plus how well Brisbane played the Power in Saturday night's qualifying final.

"We saw them at their absolute best that day. You take those lessons," he said.

"Then you also look at ways the Lions might have gotten on top ... and balance that."

Coniglio's absence meant Kelly spent more time in the midfield and he was best afield against St Kilda.

Kelly said teammate Tom Green, who also shone last Saturday, was a big reason the Giants are back in the premiership hunt.

"He's got a real confidence in his ability. I walk alongside him taller because of that," Kelly said.

"He's a great player, makes us a better team and I think he does love the big stage. He's a bull, he's done it consistently enough now to show he's one of the stars of the competition.

"It's a special group. Right from the moment the new coaches walked in (this season), the game style and culture they wanted to implement, the whole group was well and truly on board.

"I have so much trust in this group."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store