Coniglio in contention for quick comeback
“START boots.”
That’s the message from the GWS playing group to their medical miracle Stephen Coniglio, who is pushing to play in Saturday’s preliminary final against Collingwood.
Coach Leon Cameron described Coniglio’s prospects of returning after nine weeks out with a knee injury as “small”, but electric forward Toby Greene believes the glimmer of hope is getting bigger.
Coniglio texted Greene before Saturday’s epic win over Brisbane at the Gabba to declare his body is feeling “amazing” after a race-against-theclock rehabilitation following mid-season knee surgery.
Saturday was his best training run to date and it seems even if he falls short this week, he would be a red-hot chance for the grand final should GWS qualify.
The midfielder gave the Giants an immeasurable boost when he knocked back multimillion-dollar offers to commit his career to GWS – but the competition’s most soughtafter commodity’s biggest influence could yet come at the MCG, starting this week against the Magpies.
“He texted me and said he felt amazing at training,” said Greene on Channel 7.
“I guess we’ll have to wait and see but I’ll give him a call and say, ‘ get ready, start strapping your boots’.
“Hopefully we can give him a chance to play either this week or next week.”
Coach Cameron is adamant that the Giants will not jeopardise Coniglio’s long-term health for the sake of one finals’ campaign.
“If there is any doubt we won’t be taking him into any game.” strapping your