GIANTS forward Devon Smith is set for an extended period on the sidelines due to an ongoing knee injury. 

Smith, 22, will undergo surgery next week that will see the small forward miss 8-10 weeks. 

After missing the GIANTS’ round four win, Smith returned for round five but was again sidelined for round six. 

GIANTS Head of Athletic Performance David Joyce said: “We consulted with a specialist late last week and after weighing up a number of options in recent days, the decision has been made to tidy up some of the cartilage in his knee that has been causing discomfort.

“We believe surgery is the best option at this stage of the season so that Devon can successfully return to the field later in the year."

As revealed over the weekend, experienced midfielder Ryan Griffen will also be sidelined for five to six weeks due to a back injury.

Griffen was a late withdrawal from the GIANTS side that defeated Hawthorn with scans revealing the 29-year old has suffered a small fracture but no surgery is required.

Forward Will Hoskin-Elliott will also miss four-five weeks after straining his quad in the first quarter of Saturday’s NEAFL match.

It’s the same injury that forced Hoskin-Elliott out of the side in round four, with the GIANTS medical staff set to take a cautious approach with his rehabilitation. 

Forward Sam Reid (hamstring) and ruckman Matthew Flynn (ankle) are expected to only miss one week after suffering minor injuries playing for the WSU GIANTS.

The WSU GIANTS have a bye in the NEAFL this week with both players expected to be available for round seven on May 14. 

Number seven draft pick Jacob Hopper didn’t play in the NEAFL due to facial injuries and whiplash suffered in a pool accident and faces a test later in the week to see if he’s available for this selection.

Meanwhile, Aidan Corr and Caleb Marchbank remain in the rehabilitation group following ankle injuries.

Injury List - May 3