GWS veteran Matt de Boer, who has become the AFL's premier tagger this season, will spend eight weeks on the sidelines because of a fractured shoulder.
The 29-year-old has been one of the Giants' best during their 9-4 start to the season, limiting the influence of Patrick Cripps, Patrick Dangerfield, Dustin Martin and other superstars.
De Boer, who pundits were starting to float as a potential All-Australian contender with the scalps beginning to stack up, doesn't require surgery but will be forced to rest until the final stages of the regular season.
The former Docker suffered the injury during the Giants' win over North Melbourne last Sunday, when he was slammed to the ground while tackling Ben Cunnington.
Barring any setbacks, de Boer will be fit for the finals.
"This is obviously disappointing for both Matt and the club, particularly after his stellar first half of the year," GWS football manager Wayne Campbell said.
"Matt will no doubt attack his rehab with the same dedication and diligence he shows towards all aspects of his football.
"We look forward to welcoming him back in the second half of the season."
GWS have been managing without co-captain Callan Ward, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in round four, while 2018 All-Australian Lachie Whitefield is currently recovering from a broken collarbone.
The Giants' AFL and NEAFL outfits both have a mid-season bye this week.
