Stephen Coniglio subbed out after first quarter due to cheekbone injury from 'heavy blow'
Updated . First published at
GWS suffered a major blow in the first quarter of their semi final against Brisbane, with Stephen Coniglio subbed out of the game during the break.
Late in the opening term, the Giants had a kick inside 50 marked by Aaron Cadman with Coniglio and Lions defender Harris Andrews nearby.
Andrews came late to the contest, collecting Coniglio in the back with his elbows, which forced the Giants star's head into the hip of Cadman.
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"That right elbow, then the head into the hip. Either way there's contact from a lot of spots there and he's tough too Coniglio," Dale Thomas said on 7.
Stephen Coniglio's black eye. Fox Footy
The Giants midfielder then stayed on the ground and was attended to by medical staff.
"He's in a lot of distress there Stephen Coniglio, reluctant to get up and move from there which is not a great sign," Luke Darcy said.
Coniglio then left the field sporting a black eye.
"It was a heavy knock for Coniglio, hopefully not a bad one," Jason Dunstall said on Fox Footy.
The 30-year-old didn't return after the first quarter after he was subbed out of the game. GWS then revealed it's a likely cheekbone injury.