Greater Western Sydney GIANTS co-captain Callan Ward has undergone a hip operation and will miss the final match against the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium this Sunday.

It will bring an end to Ward’s season, in which the 23-year-old midfielder played 21 games and averaged 23 disposals and kicked 11 goals.

GIANTS Head of Sports Science John Quinn said it was prudent for Ward to undergo surgery now.

“If he was to play out the season, we would be putting him at risk of injury, so the decision has been made to take the precaution of getting surgery now so he can resume pre-season training with the rest of the squad," Quinn said.

In good news for the GIANTS, number one draft pick Lachie Whitfield, who has re-signed till the end of 2016, is set to return after missing last Sunday's match against Richmond because of a back injury.

Small forward Liam Sumner (achilles) and midfielder Adam Treloar (ankle) will undergo fitness tests later this week.

Midfielder Josh Growden, who’s overcome a broken leg to play for the UWS GIANTS in the NEAFL this season will also undergo hip surgery this week.

Young Ruckman Andrew Phillips has undergone further surgery this week, with an operation on his hamstring having not played a match in 2013.