GWS have suffered a major blow with midfielder Tim Taranto to miss the first half of the AFL season with a shoulder injury.
The Giants' reigning best-and-fairest winner will undergo reconstructive surgery this week after dislocating his right shoulder during last Saturday's pre-season fixture against Sydney.
Taranto, 22, has not missed a game over the past two seasons and was coming off a career-best year in 2019.
"This is no doubt disappointing individually for Tim, particularly after the stellar season he had last year," GWS football manager Jason McCartney said.
"We could have gone a non-surgical route but considering he hasn't had any history of shoulder injuries and his young age, it was decided that surgery was the best option to ensure a full recovery.
"Tim will apply himself to his rehab as diligently as he does his football and we expect to see him back on the field in the latter half of the season.
"While disappointing for Tim, it does provide an opportunity to our young midfield group that are coming through and hungry to show what they can do at AFL level."
All going well, Taranto could return in time to play a role in the Giants' bid for a maiden premiership in the back half of 2020.
GWS take on last year's grand-final opponents Richmond in their final preseason hit-out in Wagga Wagga on Sunday before kicking off the regular season at home against Geelong on March 21.
from WWOS http://wwos.nine.com.au/afl/taranto-sidelined-in-gws-afl-injury-blow/75e51434-ce67-4fdd-8e93-5f0c6b9d992d
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