Injuries have wreaked havoc on several AFL clubs during the off-season, with the start of the 2026 season looming just weeks away. As pre-season training intensifies, many players are racing against time to regain full fitness before the first bounce of the home and away season.
The first unofficial match simulations are set to commence on Monday, marking a critical period for teams to assess their rosters. Here is a comprehensive look at the injury status of key players across various clubs as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
The Crows’ Injury Woes
The Adelaide Crows are set to begin the season without two of last year’s breakout stars. Mark Keane is sidelined with a broken ankle, while Dan Curtin is recovering from a dislocated knee, both injuries sustained during early-year training sessions. These setbacks are expected to keep them out for several months.
Meanwhile, Sid Draper is cautiously managing groin soreness but aims to participate in upcoming practice games. Mitch Hinge is on light duties due to back soreness, and Izak Rankine will miss the opening round due to suspension. Recruit Callum Ah Chee’s availability is uncertain following hamstring awareness during a recent Origin game.
Lions Face Setbacks
The Brisbane Lions have encountered a few hurdles, with ruck recruit Sam Draper sidelined by a stress reaction in his foot. Draper will miss the opening round against the Western Bulldogs but is expected to debut shortly thereafter.
Jack Payne is undergoing lateral work in his recovery from a ruptured patella tendon, targeting a return by round six. Eric Hipwood, rehabilitating from a ruptured ACL, is eyeing a comeback in the second half of the season. Josh Dunkley, Jarrod Berry, and Jaspa Fletcher are back in full training post-shoulder surgeries and are anticipated to feature in upcoming matches.
Carlton’s Defensive Concerns
All eyes at Carlton are on star defender Jacob Weitering, who was hospitalized following an injury during the AAMI AFL Origin. The extent of his injury remains unclear, with updates expected soon. Jesse Motlop and Harry O’Farrell are out for the season with ACL injuries, while Blake Acres is recovering from a dislocated shoulder but should be ready for the club’s opening match against Sydney.
Veterans Nick Haynes and Matthew Cottrell have undergone arthroscopes and will be reassessed after the club’s bye in round two. Nic Newman is set for an early-season return after a patella injury, and Brodie Kemp is poised for a comeback from a ruptured Achilles.
Magpies’ Fitness Race
Collingwood’s captain Darcy Moore is racing to be fit for the season opener against St Kilda, recovering from a calf injury. Beau McCreery is also striving for fitness following foot surgery. Jeremy Howe, Dan McStay, Isaac Quaynor, and Dan Houston have all faced various injuries but are expected to be available for the season start.
Bobby Hill is on extended leave, with his return date yet to be confirmed.
Bombers’ Healthier Outlook
Essendon appears healthier compared to last year, though they will miss Nic Martin for the entire 2026 season due to a knee injury. Ruck Nick Bryan, forward Tom Edwards, and defender Lewis Hayes are targeting early-season returns post-ACL injuries.
Jordan Ridley and Archie Perkins have had interrupted pre-seasons, while Jye Caldwell dealt with a knee concern earlier this month. Small forward Isaac Kako and Irishman Cillian Bourke are managing hamstring injuries.
Dockers and Cats Injury Updates
Sean Darcy of Fremantle is expected to participate in a match simulation against West Coast after a calf strain. Sam Sturt and Alex Pearce are managing their recoveries from past injuries, while Aiden Riddle and Cooper Simpson are dealing with minor issues.
Geelong’s Jeremy Cameron faces uncertainty for the opening round after a quad strain. Tyson Stengle and Toby Conway are being eased back into full training, while Mark Blicavs and Jack Martin have minor ankle concerns.
Suns and Giants’ Challenges
The Gold Coast Suns are in relatively good shape, with Charlie Ballard progressing well from an ACL injury. Matt Rowell’s finger injury is not expected to impact his season start, but draftees Beau Addinsall and Jai Murray face longer recovery periods.
The Giants suffered a significant blow with Tom Green’s ACL injury, while Darcy Jones and Josh Kelly will also miss substantial time. Leek Aleer and Toby Bedford are managing groin and hamstring issues, respectively.
Hawks and Demons’ Injury Lists
Hawthorn’s Will Day is out until at least round 14 following shoulder surgery. Co-captain James Sicily and Finn Maginness are on the mend, while Jack Ginnivan is expected to be fit for the opening round.
Melbourne’s midfield has been hit hard, with Jack Viney and Jai Culley set to miss early games. Max Gawn played through a finger fracture, and Jake Bowey is recovering from a Lisfranc fracture.
Injury Outlook for Other Clubs
North Melbourne’s Jackson Archer is out for the season with an ACL injury, while George Wardlaw and Luke McDonald are eyeing early returns. Port Adelaide’s Jason Horne-Francis is managing recovery from foot and shoulder issues, and Ivan Soldo is out for the season with an ACL tear.
Richmond’s Josh Smillie and Judson Clarke are working towards mid-year returns, while the Saints’ Max King is dealing with a calf strain. The Swans are managing minor injuries for key players, and the Eagles face several injury concerns from a recent intraclub match.
As the season approaches, clubs will be closely monitoring their players’ progress, hoping to field their strongest teams for the 2026 campaign.
