As the AFL Finals approach, the eight clubs still in contention are grappling with critical selection decisions, many hinging on the fitness of key players. With injury concerns looming large, teams are racing against time to finalize their line-ups ahead of the first week of finals action.
GWS Giants face a particularly challenging week, with five players needing to prove their fitness, while the Adelaide Crows have already made a decisive call regarding a young forward. Here is the latest injury news as the AFL Finals kick off.
Fremantle’s Switkowski Faces Fitness Test
Fremantle forward Sam Switkowski remains uncertain for the upcoming clash against the Gold Coast Suns. Switkowski, who is recovering from a knee injury sustained in Round 24, is listed as a test for Saturday night’s game.
Fremantle’s high-performance manager, Phil Merriman, expressed cautious optimism, stating, “He’s still progressing as expected. He obviously has to get through a few hurdles from those knocks to the knee, but hopefully we get him up for the game.”
Meanwhile, Fremantle will be forced to make at least one change to their line-up, with Corey Wagner sidelined for the season due to a pectoral injury.
Hawthorn’s Morrison and GWS’s Injury Concerns
Hawthorn’s Harry Morrison is another player under scrutiny, needing to prove his fitness for Saturday’s elimination final against GWS. Morrison has been absent since Round 21 due to a quad issue, with his recovery taking longer than anticipated.
Hawks high-performance boss Peter Burge noted, “He’s certainly made significant progression over the last two sessions. We’re just now in the position where we’re looking to assess his training for Thursday with the main group and then we’ll make a selection decision.”
In contrast, GWS Giants have a more extensive list of players battling injuries. Key figures like Josh Kelly, Jake Stringer, and Jesse Hogan are all aiming for a return, while Jack Buckley and Stephen Coniglio face their own fitness challenges.
“GWS veteran Stephen Coniglio is scheduled to exit concussion protocols on Friday following a concern picked up in Round 24, and is expected to face the Hawks.”
Brisbane and Collingwood Face Selection Dilemmas
Brisbane Lions have confirmed that midfield stars Lachie Neale and Jarrod Berry are fit to play against Geelong, despite recent injuries. However, the Lions will be without key forward Eric Hipwood for at least another week due to a calf injury.
Adding to their woes, defender Tom Doedee’s season is over as he requires wrist surgery, limiting his 2025 campaign to just one game.
Meanwhile, Collingwood’s Beau McCreery has been cleared to play in Thursday night’s qualifying final against Adelaide after passing fitness tests. However, concerns remain over Dan McStay, who is dealing with shoulder soreness, potentially opening the door for Mason Cox’s return.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae expressed confidence in McCreery’s readiness, stating, “Beau will play. He’s done everything he needed to do to prove his fitness today, so we back him in and back our medical department in.”
Adelaide’s Strategic Moves
Adelaide Crows have ruled out forward Josh Rachele for their upcoming match against Collingwood, as he continues his recovery from a knee injury. The club is hopeful for his return in the later stages of the finals.
Wingman Lachie Sholl is also doubtful for this week due to a recent hamstring issue, with high-performance boss Darren Burgess commenting on the situation, “He overstretched and the scan revealed something pretty minor, but there was something there.”
Despite these setbacks, the Crows have some positive news with Max Michalanney and Luke Pedlar available for selection following their own injury recoveries.
The announcement comes as clubs face the pressure of finalizing their squads with the AFL Finals set to deliver high-stakes drama. The decisions made this week could prove pivotal in the quest for the premiership, as teams navigate the fine line between risk and reward.
