Second-year defender Leek Aleer has been ruled out for the season after rupturing the ligament in his toe, while young forward Max Gruzewski will be touch and go to return this year.

Aleer suffered the injury at training late last week while draftee Gruzewski was injured in the VFL two weeks ago, with subsequent scans and assessment revealing bone bruising in his ankle joint.

Small forward James Peatling has entered the 12-day concussion protocols after suffering a head knock in the VFL’s loss to the Suns on Sunday afternoon. 

Meanwhile, utility Lachlan Keeffe is a chance to return from a hamstring injury this week after being sidelined for the past three weeks with a low-grade strain.

Midfield bull Tom Green is one week away from a return from his own hamstring injury, while key forward Jesse Hogan will miss another week with a minor quad strain.

The GIANTS take on the Western Bulldogs at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Saturday at 1:45pm.

Injury List – July 25