GWS will be without two of their senior stars for Thursday night’s clash with Essendon, with coach Adam Kingsley confirming Jesse Hogan and Josh Kelly won’t travel to Melbourne for the Marvel Stadium showdown.
Hogan has been managed following Saturday’s win over Geelong, having recently returned from a foot issue. Kelly, meanwhile, has been carrying a hip problem and will be given the week off, with Kingsley admitting it may not be the last time the midfielder misses a game this season.
“Jesse won't play. He was OK, but on the short turnaround, he probably can't handle that,” Kingsley said on Tuesday. “Josh Kelly will be another one we don't play. His hip is giving him a little bit of grief… This may not be the last game he misses for the season.”
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Coniglio ready to return, Buckley and Greene under watch
The double blow opens the door for former skipper Stephen Coniglio, who is set to make his long-awaited return to the senior side after overcoming a glute injury that’s sidelined him since Round 3.
“‘Cogs’ will be good, he got through training,” Kingsley said. “He’s had two games back, we think he’s ready to go. So I’d expect to see him.”
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Toby Greene and Jack Buckley are also under injury clouds. Greene is reportedly “managing a few little things”, while Buckley’s troublesome ankle could see him miss out again as the club continues to monitor his condition.
Thursday’s match against the Bombers kicks off at 7:30 pm (AEST).