Greater Western Sydney GIANTS defender Matt Buntine will miss up to eight weeks after suffering a punctured lung and a broken rib in the opening match of the NAB Cup.

Buntine suffered the injury during a collision in a marking contest in the first half of the game against Carlton at Blacktown International Sportspark.

He immediately left the field and was diagnosed by the GIANTS doctor and taken to Blacktown Hospital where he had his lung drained. He was later transferred to Westmead Hospital  where is now recovering.

Buntine, who was selected at number five in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft, played six games in his debut season for the GIANTS in 2012. He has re-signed with the club until the end of 2015.

General Manager Football Graeme Allan said: “It is unfortunate for Matt who has had a strong pre-season. But we are confident he will make a full recovery and look forward to him returning to the team and playing a key role for the GIANTS.

“It was the only sour note on what was otherwise a good day for our club with our first win against the Sydney Swans and a very competitive performance in a two-point loss to Carlton.”

In good news for the GIANTS, Co-Captain Callan Ward is expected to be available for this Saturday’s NAB Cup match against the Brisbane Lions at Wagga after overcoming a minor knee injury which sidelined him from yesterday’s matches.