GWS Giants relieved as Stephen Coniglio avoids ACL tear, finals hopes still alive

The GWS Giants are breathing a major sigh of relief after star midfielder Stephen Coniglio avoided an ACL tear after limping off in the loss to Richmond.

There were grave fears for the long-term health of Coniglio after he was helped off the field by the Giants' trainers just seconds into the game.

Coniglio, who's left knee was heavily strapped after he suffered a knock in the previous round, attempted to pivot on the same knee and immediately pulled up lame.

The 25-year-old is set to have an arthroscope in Melbourne on Tuesday to remove cartilage injured in the incident and is likely to be sidelined for up to eight weeks.

In a statement released by the club, GWS General manager of Football Wayne Campbell said the Giants were relieved that Coniglio did not suffer a more serious injury.

“There’s obviously relief Stephen has avoided injury to his ACL and there does still remain a chance he returns to the field this season which is great news," Campbell said.

“He’s an incredibly dedicated and professional player and there’s no doubt he’ll attack his rehab with those same qualities."

Given Coniglio's pre-existing injury from the previous week, there was some minor controversy over whether he should have been allowed to play, but Campbell revealed that the midfielder had been given the all-clear from the team doctors.

“Stephen underwent scans and assessment following last week’s game and in consultation with our medical staff and the player himself, was cleared to play yesterday," he said.

“Yesterday’s scans showed this is an entirely new injury and separate to the incident last week.”