GWS Giants Star Josh Kelly’s Battle with Hip Injury
Josh Kelly, a key player for the GWS Giants, has been dealing with a persistent hip injury since the end of 2022. The veteran midfielder has faced significant challenges, both on and off the field, as he continues to fight for his career.
Kelly, who is 31 years old, joined the GWS Giants in 2014 and has become a vital part of the team, making over 230 appearances in more than a decade. Despite his contributions, a premiership remains out of reach, with Kelly experiencing multiple heartbreaking losses in September, including the 2019 Grand Final and three preliminary final defeats. In 2024, the team was eliminated in straight sets during the finals, adding to the frustration of a career that has seen many close calls.
The one-time All Australian player has been significantly affected by a hip injury that has made even simple tasks like tying his shoelaces painful. A poor performance against the Western Bulldogs in Canberra last year, where Kelly was hampered by his injury, led him to question whether his time in the game had come to an end.
“I was just so exhausted by it all,” Kelly told News Corp. “For such a long time I was just trying to grind through, but that night in Canberra it tipped over. When the game was on the line I did nothing… I thought I had played my last game.”
That moment was particularly difficult for Kelly, as it felt like he was giving up on his dreams. However, there was a realization that he could no longer keep up with the demands of the game alongside his teammates.
Despite the challenges, Kelly’s teammates, such as Toby Greene and Stephen Coniglio, recognized his dedication and effort. Even basic activities like walking up stairs or sitting on the couch became a struggle, leading Kelly to make the difficult decision to undergo major surgery to resurface his hip.
The procedure, often referred to as the ‘Andy Murray surgery’ after the Scottish tennis star, involved removing bone spurs and the top layer of his femur. A metal cap was then placed on top of the femur, and the surfaces of his hip joint were relined. There were no guarantees that Kelly would return to his peak form, but he was determined to give it a try.
Post-surgery, Kelly described feeling as though he had been hit by a bus. The rehabilitation process began, and while he hopes to start running again in June, there is a possibility he may sit out the 2026 season as a precaution.
“I feel so much better. No hip pain,” Kelly said. “There is still some stiffness, but this is a new start line for me. The (safe) plan is round one next year.”
Kelly’s journey has been a testament to his resilience and determination. As he moves forward, the focus is on recovery and the hope of returning to the field, not just for himself, but for the team and fans who have supported him throughout his career.
