The dawn of a new year brings anticipation and preparation for AFL clubs as they gear up for the 2026 season. With pre-season training sessions underway, the focus is on player fitness and readiness for the home and away campaign, which is now just three months away. However, the inevitable pre-season injuries and suspensions have already impacted team selections, leaving some clubs facing the prospect of starting the season without key players.
As teams finalize their strategies for the Opening Round, several clubs will be without important squad members due to long-term injuries from 2025, recent setbacks, or late-season suspensions. Here’s a detailed look at the players who are set to miss the start of the 2026 AFL season.
Adelaide and Brisbane: Key Absences
Adelaide will begin their season without Izak Rankine, who is serving a one-game suspension for a homophobic slur made late last season. This suspension, coupled with Adelaide’s early finals exit, means Rankine will miss the Round 1 clash against Collingwood at the MCG. Fortunately, this appears to be the only major selection concern for the Crows at this time.
Meanwhile, Brisbane faces a more significant challenge with Eric Hipwood sidelined due to ongoing ACL issues. Hipwood’s absence will be felt as the Lions prepare to defend their premiership title. New recruits Sam Draper and Oscar Allen are also racing against time to recover from Achilles injuries, though they are expected to participate in pre-season games.
Carlton and Collingwood: Injury Concerns
Carlton has been dealt a blow with the loss of second-year defender Harry O’Farrell, who suffered an ACL rupture in August. His long-term recovery means he is unlikely to play in 2026. However, the Blues may see the return of Brodie Kemp from an Achilles injury, providing a potential boost for the team.
Collingwood is cautiously optimistic about their player fitness as they prepare for the Opening Round against St Kilda. Beau McCreery and Bobby Hill are working through pre-season injuries, while Reef McInnes is recovering from an ACL injury sustained last March. The Magpies hope to have a near-full squad ready for the season opener.
Essendon and Fremantle: Long-term Setbacks
Essendon continues to grapple with the fallout from a challenging 2025 season. Nic Martin’s ACL injury has already ruled him out for 2026, while Lewis Hayes, Thomas Edwards, and Nick Bryan are also recovering from knee injuries. Despite these setbacks, top draft pick Sullivan Robey is expected to make his debut this season.
For Fremantle, Sam Sturt’s knee reconstruction will keep him out for an extended period. The Dockers are hopeful that veteran Corey Wagner, who underwent surgery for a ruptured pectoral, will be fit for the Round 1 clash with Geelong.
Geelong and Gold Coast: Youth and Experience
Geelong faces a significant loss with first-round draft pick Harley Barker sidelined due to an ACL injury. The Cats are unlikely to rush Barker back, focusing instead on his long-term development. Meanwhile, Jeremy Cameron, who suffered a broken arm in the grand final, is expected to be ready for the Opening Round.
At Gold Coast, Elliott Himmelberg is on a year-long rehabilitation journey following an ACL injury. However, defender Charlie Ballard is on track to return for the start of the season after his 2025 campaign ended prematurely in Round 1.
GWS and Hawthorn: Mixed Fortunes
GWS will be without key players like Josh Kelly, who is recovering from hip surgery, and Darcy Jones, who suffered an ACL injury. Nathan Wardius also faces a lengthy recovery from a knee rupture, leaving the Giants with significant gaps to fill.
Hawthorn is hopeful for the return of Will Day, who is recovering from a foot injury. The club is also monitoring skipper James Sicily’s progress following shoulder surgery, while Finn Maginness’s kidney ailment remains a concern.
Melbourne and North Melbourne: Navigating Challenges
Melbourne will miss Jake Bowey for the early part of the season due to a Lisfranc injury. New coach Steven King faces a challenging start with several players limited in pre-season training, including Jack Viney and Changkuoth Jiath.
North Melbourne, on the other hand, appears to have a clean bill of health, although several players have been sidelined during pre-season. The Roos are optimistic about having a full squad available for the season opener.
Port Adelaide and Richmond: Suspensions and Injuries
Port Adelaide will start the season without Ollie Wines, who is serving the remainder of a suspension. Sam Powell-Pepper’s ACL injury will also impact the Power’s early campaign. However, stars Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis are expected to be fit.
Richmond faces another setback with Judson Clarke’s second ACL injury in as many years. The Tigers are also monitoring Thomas Sims and Josh Smillie as they recover from foot and quad injuries, respectively.
St Kilda and Sydney: Racing Against Time
St Kilda is hopeful that Max King will recover from a knee issue in time for the Opening Round. The Saints are also keeping an eye on Mason Wood and Jack Silvagni, who have uncertain return timelines.
Sydney is dealing with Taylor Adams’s Achilles injury, though he is expected to return to training soon. Skipper Callum Mills is on track for the season opener after recovering from a hamstring injury.
West Coast and Western Bulldogs: Final Preparations
West Coast will be without Liam Baker for the season opener due to a suspension. Jack Hutchinson and Sam Allen are also set to miss the start of the season due to ankle and knee injuries, respectively.
The Western Bulldogs have yet to report significant injury concerns, positioning them well for the start of the 2026 campaign.
As clubs continue their pre-season preparations, the focus remains on player fitness and recovery. The impact of these absences will be closely watched as the 2026 AFL season unfolds, with teams hoping to overcome early setbacks and compete at their best.
