Worst-case injury scenario could cost GWS star entire 2026 season

GWS star Josh Kelly could miss the entire 2026 season under a worst-case scenario relating to his ongoing hip problems.

Kelly met with a specialist yesterday after he was forced to manage his loads for much of the second half of the season.

The Giants are yet to formulate a best course of action, but Kelly’s immediate playing future hangs in the balance.

There is hope the midfielder can undergo a procedure that, like last off-season, has him back without missing too much of the pre-season.

But GWS have also been made aware of an outcome where Kelly needs major surgery that would wipe out his 2026 campaign.

Kelly, 30, an All-Australian in 2017 and a captain in 2022, was outstanding as a substitute in the elimination final loss to Hawthorn.

But a lack of power and the fact he hasn’t been able to train fully have prompted further medical assessment.