GREATER Western Sydney has been dealt a major blow with club champion Tim Taranto to miss the first half of the season following shoulder surgery.
The reigning club champion will undergo reconstructive surgery this week after dislocating his right shoulder in the opening minutes of Saturday's Marsh Community Series win over Sydney.
Taranto, 22, has not missed a game over the past two seasons and was coming off a career-best year in 2019.
He is expected to miss up to five months.
Tim Taranto is set to have surgery on his injured shoulder.
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) March 2, 2020
The GIANTS family will be with him every step of the way as he works his way back to a return later in 2020. #NeverSurrender
"This is no doubt disappointing individually for Tim, particularly after the stellar season he had last year," Giants football boss Jason McCartney said.
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"We could have gone a non-surgical route but considering he hasn't had any history of shoulder injuries and his young age, it was decided that surgery was the best option to ensure a full recovery.
"Tim will apply himself to his rehab as diligently as he does his football and we expect to see him back on the field in the latter half of the season.
"While disappointing for Tim, it does provide an opportunity to our young midfield group that are coming through and hungry to show what they can do at AFL level."
The Giants remain flush with midfield options and Taranto's surgery could open the door for No.10 pick Tom Green to debut against Geelong on March 21.
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Fellow first-rounders Jye Caldwell, Jackson Hately and Xavier O'Halloran are also pushing for opportunities in a midfield unit that will miss Callan Ward for the first month.
The Giants face last year's premier Richmond in a Grand Final rematch in Wagga Wagga on Sunday, with their six State of Origin representatives expected to return.
