Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020

Jesse Hogan’s return has boosted Greater Western Sydney as the “Giants gun ready to fire after mini pre-season” storyline builds ahead of their AFL clash with St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Sunday. Hogan, who missed games since round eight due to a hip pointer issue, has completed a managed conditioning block during the bye period in June 2026 in Melbourne, with coach Adam Kingsley confirming he is now fully fit and pain-free, making his comeback important for GWS’s push into the second half of the season.

Hogan cleared after conditioning block

Kingsley explained the forward’s break was planned rather than reactive. “No (injury management), he's pain-free,” he said. “That was by design initially, spelling him to cover his hip, and then giving him a bit of a mini pre-season over the bye week and the week before.”

Hogan has been named in the extended squad alongside Ryan Angwin, who is also close to returning.

Saints test awaits at Marvel

GWS also revisited their Round 2 loss to St Kilda, where they fell by four points after a late surge. Kingsley said plans would be made to limit Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera while respecting the Saints’ midfield speed.

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