GWS will lose key forward Jeremy Cameron to suspension for a crucial block of AFL matches as they try to break into the top eight.
Match reviewer Michael Christian appears certain to refer Cameron directly to the tribunal on Tuesday for his heavy clash with Brisbane defender Harris Andrews.
Andrews was concussed in the first-quarter marking contest and was hospitalised on Saturday night.
Cameron shook hands with Andrews post-match but the fact the backman had to go to hospital means the Lions’ medical report will not help the Giants star.
A four-match penalty is the most likely punishment.
GWS are 10th, half a game outside the top eight after winning their past three games.
They host ninth-placed Hawthorn on Saturday night and then are away against third side West Coast.
They host top side Richmond in round 17 and head to Adelaide Oval the following week to play Port Adelaide, who are fifth.
Cameron is second on the Coleman Medal leaderboard with 35 goals from 12 games.
He was suspended for four games at the start of the 2016 season after a bump that left Rhys Mathieson, another Brisbane defender, with a fractured cheekbone.
Cameron was also sent straight to the tribunal for that incident.
Giants teammate Dylan Shiel defended Cameron for the Andrews clash but acknowledged the key forward is in trouble.
“Just at that moment he (Cameron) went to protect himself in a marking contest (and) unfortunately he made contact with Andrews,” Shield told Channel Nine
“I’m not saying Jeremy deserves to get off but he certainly didn’t intend to hurt Andrews.”