GIANTS vice-captain Stephen Coniglio will be sidelined for six weeks due to a syndesmosis injury.

The midfielder suffered the high ankle injury in the third term of the JLT Community Series match against North Melbourne at UNSW Canberra Oval on Friday night.

GIANTS Head of Athletic Performance David Joyce said it was an unfortunate setback for Coniglio.

“We’re obviously disappointed for Stephen after he put in a really strong pre-season,” Joyce said.

“He’ll spend the next two weeks in a protective boot and progress from there.

“We’re confident that with the right treatment he’ll be back on the field in a bit over a month.”

In other injury news, defender Aidan Corr has been ruled out for Round 1 after meeting with a hand specialist on Monday.

Corr sat out the last three quarters of the final JLT Community Series match after landing awkwardly.

Scans revealed the 22-year old didn’t break a bone, but suffered an unusual injury to the capsule at the base of his hand.

A more accurate timeline for a return to the field is expected after having his hand in a splint for the next fortnight.

Meanwhile, forward Steve Johnson didn’t take to the field after quarter time due to a concussion suffered in a clash of heads and will be monitored this week.

The veteran goal kicker is expected to be available for Round 1 against Adelaide on Sunday, March 26.