STAR Greater Western Sydney recruit Brett Deledio's almost faultless pre-season has been stalled with the midfielder ruled out of the opening game of the JLT Community Series with a calf strain.

Deledio has been in sparkling form on the track at his new club after crossing from Richmond over summer, and although the injury has been described as minor, the Giants will be sweating over the setback after calf issues limited the 29-year-old to just 11 games last year.

GWS head of athletic performance David Joyce said that the club would be taking no risks with the former Tiger.

“We’ll be taking a conservative approach to managing Brett’s calf to maximise his availability during the season,” he said.

“He’s a competitor and we couldn’t be happier with how Brett has performed since arriving at the club in November.

“Brett will maintain his strength program but will have his running loads reduced in the short term as we look to build up his training again over the next three weeks.

"We expect him to play a role in the later stages of the JLT Community Series."

GWS plays West Coast in its first game of the JLT Community Series on February 18 in Narrandera, and then get almost a fortnight's break before taking on Sydney in Blacktown on March 3.

Deledio is likely to target the Sydney Derby for his first game for the Giants, but given his history, might be rested until the club's final pre-season clash with North Melbourne at Manuka Oval in Canberra a week later.

AFL and club access members will have free general admission entry to JLT Community Series matches in which their club is competing (subject to availability, upgrade fees may be applicable). Click here to learn more.