Stevie J, Lobb join GWS’s AFL injury list

Forwards Steve Johnson and Rory Lobb will miss Greater Western Sydney’s AFL clash with West Coast, having become the latest victims in the club’s luckless run with injuries.

Johnson and Lobb could be sidelined for the trip to Perth and ensuing home match against Essendon.

Former Geelong star Johnson has been managing a knee issue in recent weeks, while Lobb hurt his groin in the Giants’ last-start win over Richmond.

GWS coach Leon Cameron has been forced to reshuffle his magnets most weeks this season, with the club’s depth being pushed to the limit.

Stephen Coniglio, Devon Smith, Ryan Griffen, Brett Deledio, Nick Haynes, Matt Buntine, Adam Kennedy, Jacob Hopper and Tendai Mzungu are all unavailable because of long-term setbacks.

Teenager Harry Perryman became GWS’s third debutant of the season last Saturday.

Cameron will again be forced to look to youth on Sunday, when the Giants meet the Eagles in a top-four tussle.

GWS fitness guru David Joyce noted 283-game veteran Johnson, who was carefully managed throughout the pre-season, has been “pulling up quite sore in recent weeks”.

“His knee just hasn’t recovered well enough this week so won’t be available,” Joyce said on Tuesday.

Lobb sat on the bench for most of the second half of Saturday’s game at Spotless Stadium, having been crunched in a marking contest by Tigers midfielder Dustin Martin.

“Rory has received two heavy knocks to his pelvis in the last fortnight,” Joyce said.

“He’s been sore as a result and hasn’t quite got to the level that we need early this week.

“We’ve made the early decision to focus on his recovery in order to get him right as soon as possible.

“We’re confident that with the right treatment both players won’t be far away from returning.”

Off-season recruit Mzungu, who hasn’t played since suffering a serious hamstring injury in round one, could be passed fit as early as next week.

A handful of other injured players will target a round 14 return on June 24, when the Giants have their first game after their mid-season bye.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!