Stephen Coniglio eyes AFL opening-round return for GWS Giants after punishing injuries

GWS star Stephen Coniglio is bent on making his return from injury in the Giants’ opening-round AFL match against Collingwood.

After undergoing facial surgery and a shoulder reconstruction in the off-season, the Giants vice-captain is looking to their March 9 fixture at Engie Stadium ready to put to bed “one of the most difficult periods” of his career.

Coniglio copped a heavy blow to his cheekbone in the Giants’ semi-final loss to eventual premiers Brisbane, sandwiched between teammate Aaron Cadman and Lions defender Harris Andrews in a marking contest.

The midfielder suffered a concussion, before later scans revealed he had five fractures in his face.

So severe was the injury that Coniglio could not have surgery until after the swelling reduced on his face.

The 31-year-old had already been managing a shoulder issue when his side hosted the Lions, having dislocated his left shoulder in their round-11 win over Geelong.

Steadily undergoing rehabilitation since his November surgeries, Coniglio believes he is poised to feature in coach Adam Kingsley’s line-up.

“In my own self, I’m hoping so. For me, more likely yes than no,” Conglio said of his possible opening-round return.

“It was a lot of time in hospitals, icing my face and shoulder, but feeling much better, probably since Christmas.

“When I look over probably my career, this is easily one of the most difficult periods of my career ... but onwards and upwards.”

Forced to watch the Giants cough up a 44-point lead and lose by five points to the Lions in their home semi-final, Coniglio said their straight-sets finals exit has only fuelled the fire to go all the way this season.

An inaugural Giants player, Coniglio will embark on his 14th season, alongside veterans Josh Kelly, Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield and Toby Greene.

“We’ve been so close so many times,” Coniglio said.

“To lose in the manner that we did (against the Lions) was extremely disappointing.

“It’s never something you completely get over, but we’re at an age and maturity now where we’re not just trying to make amends for that, we’re actually just trying to continue on our journey.”

Coniglio has found inspiration from an unlikely source ahead of their flag push, pointing to NRL neighbours the Penrith Panthers and their four consecutive premierships.

“I don’t even watch rugby league, but I look at Penrith,” he said.

“They’re there in Western Sydney, and the run that they’ve gone on and the dynasty that they’ve got going on - I think, why can’t we do that?”