As the 2026 AFL season gets underway, teams are already grappling with the inevitable injuries that accompany the high-octane sport. Following an exhilarating Round 1, which saw all 18 clubs in action, several teams are now facing selection dilemmas due to player injuries. Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest injury updates across the league.
St Kilda Faces Setbacks
St Kilda’s campaign has hit an early snag with midfielder Jack Macrae sidelined for at least two weeks after suffering an MCL sprain. Meanwhile, forward Liam Ryan, who had a scare with a shoulder injury, has been cleared of serious damage but must pass further assessments. Mattaes Phillipou is also under observation for a corked quad, and ruckman Rowan Marshall is progressing through concussion protocols.
Brisbane’s Boost and Geelong’s Concerns
Brisbane is set to welcome back key players Hugh McCluggage and Logan Morris in Round 3. McCluggage missed the clash against the Swans due to a calf injury, while Morris was out with a hand issue. Additionally, Darcy Gardiner will return from suspension to face St Kilda. Tom Doedee is also expected to be available after overcoming wrist and knee problems.
Geelong’s James Worpel is listed as a test for their Round 3 match against Adelaide. The Cats, who have a bye in Round 2, will be eager to see Worpel pass a fitness test after a finger injury kept him out of Round 1. Tyson Stengle is working through an individualized program following personal leave.
North Melbourne and Collingwood’s Selection Challenges
North Melbourne has some positive news with George Wardlaw, Charlie Spargo, and Riley Hardeman available for selection after overcoming pre-season injuries. According to head of performance Kevin White, “George completed a game-loading football conditioning session over the weekend and has passed all strength testing metrics.”
Collingwood hopes the Round 2 bye will allow premiership duo Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe to recover from calf injuries. “The defenders will be assessed next week to determine Round 3 availability for Collingwood’s match against GWS,” a club statement indicated. Meanwhile, Reef McInnes is still 2-4 weeks away from returning after an ACL injury.
Adelaide and Fremantle’s Injury Woes
Adelaide’s Sid Draper continues to face setbacks, now sidelined with an ankle injury sustained in a SANFL game. “Sid will be monitored throughout the week to get an accurate timeline for his return,” said Crows General Manager of High Performance, Ian McKeown.
Fremantle will be without Brennan Cox and Jaeger O’Meara for their Round 2 clash against Melbourne due to calf and hamstring injuries, respectively.
Essendon, GWS, and Richmond Updates
Essendon will see Isaac Kako make his season debut after being cleared of a hamstring injury. However, defender Jordan Ridley needs another week to recover from a calf issue.
GWS defender Harry Himmelberg is doubtful for Saturday’s match against St Kilda after a collision left his chin requiring stitches. Toby Bedford and Brent Daniels are recovering from hamstring issues, while Aaron Cadman is managing a pelvic injury.
Richmond is set to welcome back premiership players Nick Vlastuin and Dion Prestia. Vlastuin, who underwent a conservative management period, is expected to play this weekend. However, Rhyan Mansell will be out for up to a month due to a wrist fracture.
Sydney and Bulldogs’ Injury Reports
Sydney Swans are hopeful for a positive update on Isaac Heeney’s hamstring, though coach Dean Cox suggested Heeney is “more unlikely than likely” to play against the Hawks. Meanwhile, Errol Gulden faces a lengthy absence after undergoing shoulder surgery.
For the Bulldogs, Jordan Croft is a test to return from a jarred back, and Lachy Carmichael is recovering from a corky sustained in the VFL. Arty Jones and Laitham Vandermeer are nearing the end of concussion protocols.
As the AFL season progresses, teams will be closely monitoring their players’ health, hoping to minimize disruptions and maintain competitive form. The coming weeks will be crucial as clubs navigate these early challenges.
