The AFL injury list is a never-ending source of drama and concern for fans, with players coming and going like the seasons. As we approach the halfway point of the season, the competition is heating up, and the injury list is a constant reminder of the fragility of the human body. In this article, I will take a deep dive into the latest injury updates from all 18 clubs, analyzing the trends, the players who are making a comeback, and the ones who are still on the sidelines. I will also offer my own insights and commentary on the situation, providing a unique perspective on the challenges faced by the clubs and the players.
The Injury List
The injury list is a long and ever-changing one, with players coming and going like the seasons. In this section, I will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest injury updates from all 18 clubs, including the estimated return dates for each player. I will also highlight the players who are making a comeback and the ones who are still on the sidelines.
The Crows
The Adelaide Crows are in need of a midfield spark, and Jake Soligo and Dan Curtin could be the duo to provide it. Soligo was terrific in the SANFL, racking up 38 disposals, seven clearances, and kicking two goals. Curtin, meanwhile, played his first game for the year after overcoming a dislocated kneecap, completing four quarters onball and building confidence with 18 disposals and six marks. Neal-Bullen is likely to return from a minor knee injury after missing one match, while Fogarty completed a full training session over the weekend and will re-join the main group this week. Wingmen Chayce Jones and Billy Dowling and key defender James Borlase were other strong contributors in the SANFL.
The Lions
The Brisbane Lions are facing a rough patch with injuries, with Allen requiring surgery and missing a lengthy chunk of the season. With Ty Gallop settled in defence, Zane Zakostelsky is an option to play as key forward alongside Logan Morris and Darcy Fort. Gallop could be swung forward though, with Darragh Joyce a potential defensive replacement. Zorko is likely to return to face Essendon on Saturday, at the expense of either Jimmy Tunstill or Conor McKenna, who were both very good against Adelaide. Answerth has progressed well, but the Lions will be extra cautious with the lockdown defender who has suffered two concussions in the past month.
The Blues
The Carlton Blues are hopeful that McKay (concussion) and Pittonet (hand) will be fit for Saturday night's clash against the Saints, while Ollie Hollands (managed) could also return. George Hewett (40 disposals, 11 clearances) was again among the best at VFL level as the side continues to assess its midfield mix, while Billy Wilson (41 disposals, eight intercepts) was a shining light and could add some dash from half-back. Lachie Fogarty (24 disposals, two goals) continues to stake his claim, while Jack Ison (nine disposals, four goals) is a watch for a potential AFL debut in the coming weeks.
Collingwood
Collingwood confirmed on Tuesday that Scott Pendlebury will be managed this Thursday night on a five-day break. Ned Long will return after being managed on Anzac Day. Darcy Moore will also face the Hawks after recovering from a hamstring strain and will play his second game of 2026. Membrey strained his hamstring against the Bombers and will miss the next month, opening the door for Jack Buller or Charlie West to get another shot in the senior team.
The Bulldogs
The Western Bulldogs are facing a tough time with injuries, with Kako sidelined for an extended period with a back injury, which could mean a recall for Jade Gresham after he was a carryover emergency last week. May has avoided a serious injury but will still need to pass a fitness test on his knee later in the week, while Mason Redman has recovered from a knee issue and will return in the VFL. Nik Cox continues to push for his first senior game since late 2024 and did his chances no harm with 18 disposals, seven marks, and a goal in the VFL on the weekend, while Archie Perkins and Zak Johnson (23 disposals each) also impressed. Hussien El Achkar could be considered for a recall after kicking 4.3 in the twos.
The Dockers
The Fremantle Dockers are incredibly settled and not keen to manage players through three consecutive six-day breaks. Small forward Chris Scerri was among Peel Thunder's best players in the WAFL and is on the cusp of selection. Walker suffered concussion in the WAFL and is unavailable, making Cooper Simpson the most likely option if change is made in defence, with key defender Hugh Davies also performing well at the lower level. Pat Voss has overcome illness and trained with the main group on Tuesday, putting his hand up to return before the Dockers fly east on Wednesday.
The Cats
The Geelong Cats are facing a tough time with injuries, with Blicavs ruled out of the clash with North Melbourne on Saturday after scans on his left knee but the club is hopeful his absence will be short-term. Miers could be back as soon as round nine as he also manages a knee problem and increased his training load this week. Sam De Koning is an obvious inclusion for Blicavs as Geelong reshuffles its tall stocks, while Jake Kolodjashnij was also managed against the Power and could return. The VFL Cats had a bye last week but midfielders Mitch Knevitt, George Stevens, and Jhye Clark were all strong contributors in their most recent state-league outing.
The Demons
The Melbourne Demons are facing a tough time with injuries, with Petty could return this week to face Sydney after suddenly becoming unsteady on his feet in the Demons' clash with Brisbane in round six. He underwent extensive testing and consulted with specialists to look at the brain and heart, with the end diagnosis being a vestibular migraine and not concussion related. Unfortunately, Culley's season is over after rupturing his ACL on Anzac Day Eve. Young guns Lindsay (hip/groin) and Rivers (knee) remain a couple of weeks away from a return as they continue to manage their injury issues. In better news, defender Jake Bowey got through managed minutes in the Demons' VFL hitout on the weekend as he returns from the foot injury he suffered in December.
The Power
The Port Adelaide Power are facing a tough time with injuries, with Archer Reid's recovery timeline to be worked through this week, with Graham starting his rehabilitation after shoulder surgery last week. The Power are also dealing with the absence of Blicavs, who has been ruled out of the clash with North Melbourne on Saturday after scans on his left knee but the club is hopeful his absence will be short-term. Miers could be back as soon as round nine as he also manages a knee problem and increased his training load this week. Sam De Koning is an obvious inclusion for Blicavs as Geelong reshuffles its tall stocks, while Jake Kolodjashnij was also managed against the Power and could return.
The Saints
The St Kilda Saints are facing a tough time with injuries, with Ryan spending Sunday night in hospital after suffering a significant corked hip against West Coast and is in doubt for this weekend after another big hit early in his time at the Saints. Clark will also need to prove his fitness later in the week after copping a knock to his knee in the win on Sunday. Banfield is a chance to be available again after rehabbing his dislocated shoulder.
The Swans
The Sydney Swans are facing a tough time with injuries, with Heeney set to return this weekend after overcoming calf soreness, but the news is less positive for McCartin, who faces two to three weeks on the sidelines with a knee ligament sprain. Meanwhile, Hetherton is braced for an extended six-month rehab program after being diagnosed with a lumbar stress fracture. The Swans are also dealing with the absence of Petty, who could return this week to face Sydney after suddenly becoming unsteady on his feet in the Demons' clash with Brisbane in round six.
The Giants
The GWS Giants are facing a tough time with injuries, with Smith is ramping up to three sessions a week as he eyes a return in three to four weeks, while Angove and Taylor are on a similar trajectory. Angove is now into his second week of modified training, with Taylor set to join him later this week. Joe Fonti is back in the selection frame after sitting out with a one-week suspension, joining several axed Giants who sent a clear message through the VFL. Callum Brown and Max Gruzewski spearheaded the attack, while Jake Riccardi impressed with 21 touches and two majors. In the ruck, Kieren Briggs dominated with 32 hitouts and 26 disposals, proving far too good for the reserve level.
The Tigers
The Richmond Tigers are facing a tough time with injuries, with Edwards is expected to be made available for WAFL selection if he completes training this week, with the important key defender completing two full training sessions since clearing concussion protocols. Young midfielder Tom Gross is pushing for an AFL recall after an impressive WAFL performance with 21 disposals and three goals, with experienced small forward Matt Owies booting five goals. Premiership forward Jamie Cripps worked hard after being dropped to the lower level, while defender Rhett Bazzo (10 marks) and hardened midfielder Fin Macrae (25 disposals) are also putting their hands up. Premiership defender Tom Cole and former Adelaide midfielder Harry Schoenberg are others on the fringe of selection.
The Eagles
The West Coast Eagles are facing a tough time with injuries, with Gibcus has suffered an ACL strain in his "good" knee, with the club saying it was a similar injury to AFLW clubmate Gab Seymour, who avoided surgery. Smillie had been sitting at 4-6 weeks, but is back out to TBC after suffering a small re-tear to the quad injured in February.Taranto should be available to face West Coast if he gets through his final training session, while Jayden Short will come back into the mix after paternity leave, with late inclusion James Treziselikely to make way. Ralphsmith will miss a stint after suffering a MCL injury during a tackle in the dying minutes of the loss to Melbourne. With just six AFL-listed players in the VFL, Luke Trainor (28 disposals, 11 marks, and a goal) was a class above, while Tyler Sonsie (31 and four clearances) will likely fill Ralphsmith’s role.
The Bulldogs
The Western Bulldogs are facing a tough time with injuries, with Edwards is expected to be made available for WAFL selection if he completes training this week, with the important key defender completing two full training sessions since clearing concussion protocols. Young midfielder Tom Gross is pushing for an AFL recall after an impressive WAFL performance with 21 disposals and three goals, with experienced small forward Matt Owies booting five goals. Premiership forward Jamie Cripps worked hard after being dropped to the lower level, while defender Rhett Bazzo (10 marks) and hardened midfielder Fin Macrae (25 disposals) are also putting their hands up. Premiership defender Tom Cole and former Adelaide midfielder Harry Schoenberg are others on the fringe of selection.
The Bulldogs
The Western Bulldogs are facing a tough time with injuries, with Darcy Jones is likely to return from a knee injury after missing one match, while Fogarty completed a full training session over the weekend and will re-join the main group this week. Wingmen Chayce Jones and Billy Dowling and key defender James Borlase were other strong contributors in the SANFL.
Deeper Analysis
The AFL injury list is a constant reminder of the fragility of the human body and the challenges faced by the clubs and the players. The competition is heating up, and the injury list is a constant source of concern for fans. The clubs are struggling to manage the injuries, and the players are fighting to overcome the setbacks. The AFL injury list is a complex and ever-changing one, and it is a testament to the resilience and determination of the players and the clubs.
Conclusion
The AFL injury list is a never-ending source of drama and concern for fans, with players coming and going like the seasons. As we approach the halfway point of the season, the competition is heating up, and the injury list is a constant reminder of the fragility of the human body. The clubs and the players are facing tough challenges, and the AFL injury list is a testament to the resilience and determination of the players and the clubs. The competition is heating up, and the injury list is a constant source of concern for fans, but the players and the clubs are fighting to overcome the setbacks and make a comeback.
