GWS v Adelaide: Josh Kelly KO'd in Taylor Walker tackle

Tom Naghten

GWS v Adelaide: Josh Kelly KO'd in Taylor Walker tackle image

GWS star Josh Kelly was left unconscious on the UNSW Canberra Oval turf after a heavy tackle from Adelaide skipper Taylor Walker on Saturday night.

With the Giants holding a 13-point lead midway through the third term, Walker slung Kelly in a big tackle, with the midfielder's head hitting the ground.

There was a lengthy break as Kelly received treatment, with some of the GWS players remonstrating with Walker after the incident.

That moment came shortly after GWS utility Sam Reid was ruled out for the match following a hamstring injury.

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Kelly was eventually able to make his way off the ground on his own two feet, but he would take no further part in the game.


Commentators speculated on whether Walker would face suspension following the tackle.

"He slung him to ground, he didn't lift and dump but clearly it's going to be looked at," Matthew Richardson said in commentary.

"He probably misses a week with that one but he wouldn't have been aware that the ball had been jarred free in that situation," Cameron Ling added.

"I don't think it's going to save him in the end but I don't think it was a really malicious one by Tex."

That wasn't the last injury concern for the already depleted Giants, with veteran backman Heath Shaw requiring a medicab off the ground following a knock to his left knee.

Shaw was collected by some friendly fire as teammate Adam Kennedy caused what looked to be a hyperextension.


After the match, Shaw told Cameron Ling that he thought it was a PCL injury which would rule him out for around six weeks.

"If the boys make it to the grand final and we draw it, I might be able to play the next week," Shaw said.

For the second week in a row, the Giants were left with virtually no rotations as the injuries stacked up for them.

Fortunately for Leon Cameron's side, they were able to run out the match to claim a gutsy 14-point win guarantee they finish round 21 in the top four.

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.