Greater Western Sydney key forward Jesse Hogan could miss the remainder of the home-and-away season after his recent finger injury turned out worse than expected.
Hogan injured his middle finger during last weekend's loss to Carlton at ENGIE Stadium. This week, scans revealed the 31-year-old had torn a ligament off the bone and that he needed extensive surgery to fix his broken finger according to Code Sports.
The former Coleman Medallist is expected to miss between 8-10 weeks while recovering, meaning if GWS misses out on a wildcard spot, his season is likely done.
Hogan has had a wretched 2026, playing nine games and kicking 12 goals; well below his starring best.
He has also been the subject of trade speculation as his run with injuries, poor form and the emergence of young key forwards Aaron Cadman and Max Gruzewski at the Giants means his seat is red hot.
Gruzewski is finally getting his crack at playing consistent AFL football in 2026, kicking 14 goals in eight games, after being drafted in 2022 with pick 22. And if Hogan was to play at the expense of Gruzewski, the 21-year-old would likely seek a trade come season's end.
Hogan, who is out of contract at the end of the year, has also been in a contract dispute with the club as he waits for a contract offer more suiting to him, but with this latest injury setback and the Giants' rejigged forward line, could Hogan be on the move to a fourth club in 2027?
