GWS key defender Jack Buckley has reportedly sustained a calf strain in his right leg this past week, just days before he was set to return from a left calf strain he suffered against West Coast in Round 17.
According to AFL Media's Riley Beveridge, Buckley reported soreness to the club's medical team during the Giants' Friday training session and was ultimately withdrawn from the listed playing group expected to run out against St Kilda on Sunday.
Buckley underwent scans which revealed the extent of the strain, but GWS are hopeful it's not severe enough to rule him out of September action.
The Giants will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Buckley as he has emerged as a key pillar in their defence this season, averaging 6.3 spoils and 5.8 marks, with 1.6 of those being intercepts. His disposal efficiency of 85% also ranks as elite.
Buckley's setback adds to an extensive injury toll at the club, with Jake Stringer (hamstring) Jesse Hogan (foot), Brent Daniels (adductor) and Josh Kelly (calf) under the injury cloud currently, with a return for Finals still unclear.
