GWS coach Adam Kingsley said he is shocked just how well reigning Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan is performing despite the freak pre-season injury.
On the eve of the 2025 campaign, Hogan broke his thumb after jamming it in a door.
The 30-year-old returned for the Hawthorn clash in Round 3 down at UTAS Stadium in Launceston, kicking four goals from 11 touches and nearly dragging his side over the line.
The following week against West Coast, Hogan slotted an equal career-high best of nine majors in a true return to form after an interrupted start to the season.
"A little bit (surprised)," Kingsley said on Friday.
"Given he hadn't trained or played for three weeks, that he wouldn't be seeing it like he is or marking it like he is.
"As I've said in the past, he is a meticulous preparer, so he's got himself ready to go, and his last two games have been terrific for us.
"But another tough challenge (against St Kilda). A narrower ground at Norwood, so the ball probably comes through him a bit more. I'm sure they'll put more time into him.
"But we know he's quality."
Kingsley also confirmed that veteran Stephen Coniglio will not return this week against St Kilda after failing to recover from a glute injury.
Coniglio was named in the extended 26-man squad to take on the Saints, alongside James Leake, Harvey Thomas and Toby McMullin.
Brent Daniels comes out of the side with an abdominal injury.
"Cogs didn't get through training, so he won't play; we'll just go to the well with the next man up," Kingsley said.
"It's a bit disappointing. We're not sure how it happened. He woke up after main training last week with soreness and couldn't get moving at the captain's run. I expected him to play this week, so I expect him to be back next week."
Coniglio's interrupted start to the year has followed on from a frustrating 2024, which saw him limited to 15 outings due to a shoulder dislocation in Round 11.
The 31-year-old then had facial surgery after a knock in last year's semi-final loss to Brisbane.
But Kingsley dismissed any concerns with the way Coniglio prepares himself, saying he is just "unlucky".
"He was a bit frustrated today; he expected to get through no problems," Kingsley added.
"We keep working with him. It's a long season."
Kingsley also didn't stop in suggesting the Giants will look into putting extra attention into Jack Sinclair and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.
The final teams for Sunday's game will be released at 5 pm (AEST) on Friday.
