Ladder-leading Greater Western Sydney have suffered yet another long-term injury, with emerging star Tim Taranto to undergo ankle surgery which will sideline him for up to 10 weeks.
Taranto, the No.2 pick in last year's AFL draft, has played all but one of the Giants' first 13 games and recently signed a contract extension to 2020. .
He is the fourth Giant this season to be out for at least two months with a serious ankle injury.
Stephen Coniglio, Ryan Griffen and Will Setterfield all suffered syndesmosis injuries, though Taranto's problem is believed to be different.
Despite topping the ladder, GWS have now had at least a dozen players sidelined for a minimum of four weeks this year. .
Taranto has averaged 15 disposals a game and impressed with his skill and composure in a star-studded side.
He won a Rising Star nomination in round eight after logging a career-best 21 disposals against Collingwood.
He hurt his ankle in the third quarter of Saturday's match against Brisbane and has subsequently undergone surgery.
"This is a bitter blow for Tim who's been terrific in his debut season so far," Giants' head of athletic performance David Joyce said.
"The damage to Tim's ankle was significant enough that surgery was required before commencing a thorough rehabilitation program.
"Tim's shown great resilience so far in his short AFL career and we remain confident that we'll see him return to the field later this season."
Taranto will be sidelined for 8-10 weeks.
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