GWS Giants without Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer for Opening Round clash against Collingwood

The Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants have suffered a blow ahead of the new Australian Football League (AFL) season opener, with two of their forwards, Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer, ruled out due to injury. The absence of these two key players will undoubtedly impact the team's offensive firepower and add uncertainty to the upcoming games.

Hogan, last season's Coleman Medal winner, inadvertently fractured his thumb after trapping it in a door, while off-season recruit Stringer has been forced to sit out due to a minor hamstring strain. Both are expected to miss at least two weeks of competition, with Hogan's absence potentially extending to three weeks. This is undoubtedly a heavy blow for the Giants, especially ahead of their crucial match against Collingwood at Engie Stadium on Sunday, compounded by the unavailability of key midfielder Tom Green due to a calf injury.

Stringer, who has a history of soft tissue injuries, complained of hamstring tightness during a Victorian Football League (VFL) practice match on Saturday and left the field after the first quarter. Hogan injured his thumb after the final pre-season game against Carlton. Furthermore, with the departure of Harry Perryman, Isaac Cumming, and James Peatling, Giants coach Adam Kingsley is already considering how to adjust the lineup.

In addition to the injuries, Jack Riccardi, Harvey Thomas, Toby McMullin, and Joe Fonti will also be suspended for two games due to activities following last year's playoff appearance, while fringe player Josh Fahey will be suspended for four games. However, the Giants have also received some good news, with forward Callan Brown recovering from a hamstring injury and midfielder Kieren Briggs overcoming illness to be available for selection. "My body is feeling really good," Briggs said on Tuesday. "I managed to get a lot of pre-season training in, I'm ready to go."

Phoenix Gothard, hoping to make his AFL debut, is currently undergoing testing to determine his availability for the match against Collingwood after twisting his ankle in a pre-season game. Green is also working hard to return in the first round, with his initial plan to return after the club's second-round match. Collingwood will also be without key player Jordan De Goey, who suffered a knee injury in training.