MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 16: Finn Callaghan of the Giants looks on during the 2022 AFL Round 05 match between the Melbourne Demons and the GWS Giants at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 16, 2022 In Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

First-year GWS Giants midfielder Finn Callaghan is facing a stint on the sidelines to begin his second AFL pre-season after undergoing foot surgery.

Per reports from AFL media's Callum Twomey, Callaghan's foot issue has been bothersome since midway through 2021, prior to being picked third overall by the orange and charcoal.

Across the five games he played in 2022, Callaghan displayed promising flashes, averaging 15 disposals, 3.6 marks and 2.2 inside-50s.

It is understood Callaghan will be back running by December or January, with GWS not expecting the 19-year-old to miss the beginning of next season.

Considering the likely off-season departures of in-demand Giants midfielders Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper and Tanner Bruhn, Callaghan is tipped to feature heavily in 2023 after being a highly sought-after draftee last year.