Footy star Stephen Coniglio looks unrecognisable in confronting hospital photos as he endures the ‘most difficult six weeks of my career’
- The GWS Giants midfielder underwent two operations in hospital
- Including one on his face, which had five fractures
- The veteran is expected to return to training in December
GWS Giants veteran Stephen Coniglio has shared a series of confronting photos from his hospital bed after enduring the ‘toughest six weeks’ of his decorated football career.
Coniglio, 30, is recovering from two separate operations – including one on his face – which left the midfielder with five fractures.
The 30-year-old suffered the shocking injury in a collision with teammate Aaron Cadman and Lions co-captain Harris Andrews during the AFL final.
The vice-captain also suffered a concussion in the incident.
Because the swelling in his face was so severe, Coniglio had to wait more than a week before undergoing surgery, while also needing specialist care to also assess his left eye.
Incredibly, Coniglio also underwent shoulder reconstruction.
Sharing a series of photos from his recovery at InstagramConiglio thanked his wife Rebecca and their one-year-old daughter Amira for being by his side.
“Possibly the hardest and most challenging six weeks I have had in my career, which would have been a lot harder without the support of my two angels who were there every step of the way,” he wrote.
GWS Giants veteran Stephen Coniglio is pictured with his daughter Amira after undergoing surgery for a serious facial injury
Coniglio also underwent shoulder reconstruction and described the past six weeks as the ‘most difficult’ of his career
Coniglio thanked his wife Rebecca and their one-year-old daughter Amira (right) for their continued support
Coniglio is pictured leaving the field after the hit that left him with five facial fractures
‘Recover, reflect and think about how I will come back stronger and better than ever. Always blessed. See you soon.’
Coniglio received messages of support from GWS teammates Lachie Whitfield, Toby Bedford and Josh Kelly, among others.
Current Swans star Taylor Adams also sent his best wishes.
Coniglio – who made his AFL debut for the Giants in 2012 after being second choice in the 2011 AFL National Draft, wants to compete in December if he is preparing for its 14th AFL season in 2025.
His return will be a cautious one – Adelaide Crows great Rory Sloane was forced to retire last year after a series of eye injuries left him with a detached retina.
Meanwhile, Giants players are unlikely to forget their finals campaign anytime soon.
Adam Kingsley’s men held a 27-point lead in the qualifying final against Sydney – only to be defeated by eventual premier Brisbane Lions – despite leading by 44 points at one point.
In early 2025, the premiership markets will have a GWS of $9 to win their first flag, after Brisbane ($8) and Hawthorn ($8).