GWS have suffered a major blow, co-captain Callan Ward suffering a significant knee injury just minutes into their AFL clash with Geelong.

In his first game for the season after overcoming an injury to his right knee, Ward’s left knee twisted awkwardly in a Gary Ablett tackle at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.

Ward was helped from the ground by two trainers and later appeared inconsolable on the bench after emerging from the rooms on crutches.