AFL News 2024: Stephen Coniglio eye injury, concussion, face ...
GWS veteran Stephen Coniglio has revealed the last six weeks have been the "most difficult" of his career, after undergoing multiple surgeries following a brutal end to his 2024 campaign.
During the Giants' five-point semi-final loss to the Lions, Coniglio was left with a severe face injury and concussion, after colliding with teammate Aaron Cadman and Brisbane defender Harris Andrews.
At the time, he lay on the turf for an extended period, before being subbed off.
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Now, Coniglio has taken to his Instagram to share the gruesome details of his facial surgery, as well as reveal a further operation - a shoulder reconstruction.
"Maybe the most difficult and challenging six weeks I've had in my career, which would have been a lot harder without the support of my two angels (wife Rebecca and daughter Amira) being there every step of the way," Coniglio said on Instagram on Friday.
Coniglio was subbed off after this hit. Fox Footy
The Giants vice-captain shared a handful of photos which showed him in hospital with his baby daughter Amira, as well as on a recovery bike with his shoulder in a sling.
The 30-year-old was forced to wait an extra week after suffering the eye injury to undergo surgery due to severe swelling.
Since then, he has been under assessment as his eye continues to heal.
His shoulder also caused him grief in the back half of the season.
Stephen Coniglio underwent facial and shoulder surgery in the early off season after an injury in the Giants' semi-final loss. Instagram
Coniglio will return to running in December, with hopes that he will be fully recovered early into the club's pre-season, which begins next month.
"Recovering, reflecting and plotting how I'm going to come back stronger and better than ever. Always blessed. See you soon," Conglio said.
Coniglio received comments of support from teammates Lachie Whitfield, Harry Himmelberg, Toby Bedford and Josh Kelly, among others.
Former teammate and current Swan Taylor Adams also sent well wishes.
Giants midfielder Stephen Coniglio's eye has been under assessment after a scary collision in the finals. Instagram
"Good to see you on the mend Stephen," Adams said.
Adelaide great Rory Sloane was forced to retire in 2024 due to a series of eye injuries that saw him suffer a detached retina.
It means Coniglio's team will want to ensure he is fully healed before a return to play date is set, to avoid a similar premature end to his career.
