Giants star Josh Kelly is set to miss Saturday's clash against St Kilda after not training with his GWS teammates on Wednesday, while coach Leon Cameron has backed Dawson Simpson to handle rucking responsibilities again should Rory Lobb fail to overcome a knee injury.
Kelly has been restricted to running duties since missing last round's win over Fremantle with groin soreness and won't be risked against the Saints unless he unexpectedly presents in superb condition on Thursday.
Waiting game: Josh Kelly, here training last month, is still battling to be fully fit.
Photo: AAP
Cameron admitted he and his coaching staff were keen to take every precaution with their star man so early in the season.
"We'd like to see him going a little bit better – he's more unlikely to play this week than play," Cameron said. "You just get found out with 80 per cent [fit] players. He's been doing a bit of running, but not the footy side of it, that's the thing that I'm probably alluding to that I'd like him to be doing a bit more than that. It's pointless just coming in for one or two and then out for another two.
"It's been brewing for a couple of weeks, probably just through wear and tear. He has some really good days and then there's some days where it's a bit sorer than others. He'd have to have a really good Thursday and good Friday, and it's all about pulling up really well. That's why I'm saying he's more unlikely."
