Greater Western Sydney have suffered a huge blow with a shoulder injury set to sideline off-season recruit Braydon Preuss for up to five months.
The 25-year-old dislocated his left shoulder at training on Monday and will undergo surgery on Thursday.
Preuss joined his third AFL club when the Giants traded pick 31 to Melbourne in exchange for the 206cm-big man last November.
“This is obviously hugely disappointing for Braydon who has come into our club and had an immediate impact on the training track,” GWS football manager Jason McCartney said.
“He’s had a huge preseason and was tracking really well before his injury on Monday.
“Braydon will now attack his rehab with a view to returning to the field during the middle of the season.”
Preuss managed just 18 games in six seasons with Melbourne and North Melbourne, where he had played back-up roles for Max Gawn and Todd Goldstein respectively.
The Giants may now call on veteran Shane Mumford, who remains on their rookie list, while developing ruckman Matthew Flynn could also get his opportunity at the top level.