The Giant set for greater midfield responsibility amid horror injury run

Despite mounting midfield injuries, GWS may already have the answer in Xavier O'Halloran.

The Giants will miss Tom Green, who is suspected of having torn his ACL last week, while veteran Josh Kelly's troublesome hip has ruled him out for most of 2026.

Adding to the injury woes are Toby Bedford (hamstring) and Finn Callaghan (hip), with the pair in serious doubt for Opening Round.

But as O'Halloran tells Zero Hanger, he is more than capable of stepping up to fill the midfield void.

"Of course," O'Halloran said.

"Still trying to work on my individual game and be a more consistent player throughout that midfield.

"Definitely, not to put the pressure on, but it allows more growth in my personal game, given those extra minutes in the midfield.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge."

O'Halloran's evolution into an on-baller took its time, so much so that he contemplated a move to the Western Bulldogs at the end of 2024.

Searching for more prominent midfield minutes, the 25-year-old had "honest conversations" with the GWS coaching staff, which resulted in a career-best season.

In 2025, O'Halloran played all but one game and increased his centre-bounce time to 36.4 per cent, up from a measly 10 per cent the year before.

"I wasn't quite happy with where my individual footy was at in that period and wanted more midfield opportunity," O'Halloran said honestly.

"I had those honest conversations with 'Kingers' and the rest of the coaches, more specifically the midfield coach, in terms of what I needed to do to be afforded that opportunity.

"I was given a few things to work on, and I went away and worked on it, and was afforded the opportunity to have some minutes inside playing on ball, and I was able to deliver on some of those."

Star recruit Clayton Oliver is also set to shoulder more midfield responsibilities in 2026, with his acquisition proving to be timely amid the club's injury concerns.

Oliver will slot straight into the GWS on-ball brigade, but has also taken on a leadership role, providing his new teammates with "tips and tricks" in stoppages.

"The transition has been seamless," O'Halloran said of the former Demon.

"He's an extremely hard worker and trainer. That's the thing that has impressed me the most.

"I don't really get to see other players train from other clubs, so he's definitely come in and made the right impression. It's been a head-down, bum-up approach.

"He's provided us with some tips and tricks in terms of stoppage craft in getting an advantage over your opponent.

"He's come in and impressed us all already and been able to help out with the development of myself, Tom, Finn, all those guys who are already playing at a senior level, but also the younger boys as well."

The Giants are in full preparation for practice games against Collingwood (February 20) and Sydney (February 27) before Opening Round against Hawthorn.