Nick Larkey, Tom Mitchell and Jesse Hogan. Pictures: AFL Photos
Check out the injury updates from all 18 clubs.
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jordon Butts
Chest
TBC
Mitch Hinge
Hip
Test
Josh Rachele
Knee
TBC
Oscar Ryan
Hamstring
8 weeks
Tyler Welsh
Toe
1 week
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
Hinge faces a fitness test this week after suffering a corked hip against Gold Coast that saw him substituted at the end of the first quarter. The defender’s pain is improving and the Crows think he will be available. Brayden Cook has cleared concussion protocols and will push to line up in the Showdown having impressed briefly during his only game of the season against the Western Bulldogs in round 18. Sid Draper produced one of his best SANFL displays with 28 disposals, six inside 50s and a goal to press his case for a recall. Brodie Smith (30 and 11 marks) was also terrific and is a likely replacement if Hinge is ruled out. Midfielder Matt Crouch returned from a hip injury on restricted minutes and had 27 disposals and 10 clearances. – Nathan SchmookÂ
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Noah Answerth
Achilles
Season
Ty Gallop
Concussion
1 week
Lincoln McCarthy
Knee
4-5 weeks
Jack Payne
Knee
Season
Deven Robertson
Concussion
Test
James Tunstill
Concussion
Test
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
The Lions will welcome Zac Bailey back from suspension for Saturday’s QClash against Gold Coast at People First Stadium. Sam Day could also come back into the key forward set-up if coach Chris Fagan decides to go with either Darcy Fort or Oscar McInerney as the primary ruckman, rather than both, as Brisbane have done the past fortnight. Conor McKenna was excellent in the VFL at the weekend, while Keidean Coleman has now played two games back at the lower level following his quad injury. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Ben Camporeale
Suspension
Round 23
Matt Cottrell
Foot
Season
Francis Evans
Concussion
1-2 weeks
Orazio Fantasia
Hamstring
TBC
Brodie Kemp
Achilles
Season
Mitch McGovern
Hamstring
TBC
Nic Newman
Knee
Season
Jack Silvagni
Groin
TBC
Jagga Smith
Knee
Season
Sam Walsh
Foot
TBC
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
The Blues are finally set to welcome back Harry McKay (knee) for Thursday night’s clash with the Hawks. He could replace Evans (concussion) in a taller forward line. However, time is running out for Walsh (foot) this season after another week where he’s failed to progress to main training. Lewis Young (ankle) is available, but is likely to return through the VFL. Billy Wilson (26 disposals, nine marks) and Jaxon Binns (17 disposals, nine marks) were among the best in the reserves, while Jordan Boyd, Blake Acres and Hudson O’Keeffe were last week’s emergencies at AFL level. – Riley Beveridge
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jordan De Goey
Achilles/concussion
Test
Billy Frampton
Calf
Test
Harvey Harrison
Knee
Season
Dan Houston
Abdominal
1 week
Jeremy Howe
Groin
1 week
Tew Jiath
Quad
1-2 weeks
Fin Macrae
Shoulder
1-2 weeks
Reef McInnes
Knee
Season
Jakob Ryan
Foot
8-10 weeks
Charlie West
Foot
2-3 weeks
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
Collingwood will be without Howe and Houston this Sunday, but Frampton is on track to return against Richmond at the MCG. Bobby Hill could be available after returning to full training last weekend. Tom Mitchell was managed on the weekend and didn’t play at either level. Roan Steele went back to the VFL and kicked four goals after a taste of league football. Harry DeMattia was busy again with 28 touches and 11 clearances against Geelong’s reserves, where Oscar Steene impressed again. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Nick Bryan
Knee
Season
Jye Caldwell
Ankle
5-6 weeks
Nik Cox
Concussion
Season
Sam Draper
Achilles
Season
Tom Edwards
Knee
Season
Lewis Hayes
Knee
Season
Ben Hobbs
Groin
Test
Harrison Jones
Ankle
Season
Kyle Langford
Quad
3-4 weeks
Nic Martin
Knee
Season
Ben McKay
Foot
5-6 weeks
Darcy Parish
Calf
Season
Zach Reid
Hamstring
Season
Will Setterfield
Foot
Season
Elijah Tsatas
Hamstring
4 weeks
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
The depleted Bombers are set to be boosted by the return of Nate Caddy for Friday night’s clash against the Western Bulldogs, while Todd Goldstein and Hobbs are also in line to be available. McKay’s potential return is clearer, but he’s still likely to miss the rest of the season, while Parish’s injury-hit 2025 campaign is over, as is Jones’, meaning 10 Bombers have now been ruled out for the remainder of the year. Saad El-Hawli put his hand up for a first AFL game since round 10 with 17 disposals and three goals in the VFL. Jye Menzie (14 disposals and two goals) was also solid. – Dejan Kalinic
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Nat Fyfe
Calf
1 week
Matthew Johnson
Ankle/foot
TBC
Odin Jones
Back
Season
Alex Pearce
Shin
1 week
Aiden Riddle
Foot
Season
Cooper Simpson
AC joint
Test
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
The clear change for a red-hot Fremantle this week is to elevate substitute Hayden Young into the 22 for Saturday’s Derby after his brilliant fourth quarter against Collingwood. Young would replace injured midfielder Matt Johnson, with several options in the WAFL to then come in as substitute. Isaiah Dudley (19 disposals and two goals) was the standout performer at Peel Thunder, with midfielder Neil Erasmus (21 and five inside 50s) also making a strong case. Wingman Jeremy Sharp (18 and two goals) could also be considered. On the injury front, Alex Pearce and Nat Fyfe will complete main training this week and push to play in round 21. Cooper Simpson will need to pass a fitness test to play this week. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Mitch Duncan
Shoulder
2 weeks
Cameron Guthrie
Calf
Test
Jake Kolodjashnij
Groin
Indefinite
Oli Wiltshire
Concussion
Concussion protocols
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
Tom Stewart is expected to play despite being subbed out with a sore knee against St Kilda, with the club saying he will be monitored throughout the week. The injury list is getting shorter at the Cattery, with Guthrie to be tested ahead of a planned VFL return on Sunday. However, the medicos won’t hesitate to play it safe if required, with the Cats having a VFL bye next week. Ruck Toby Conway made a successful return in his first game of 2025, collecting 10 disposals, five clearances and 26 hitouts on managed minutes in the VFL, while Ted Clohesy (30 disposals, seven tackles, seven clearances) and Jed Bews (29 disposals) were both strong performers in the 15-point loss to Collingwood. Ollie Henry booted 2.2 from 17 disposals and six marks. – Michael Rogers
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Charlie Ballard
Knee
Season
Sam Collins
Calf
Test
Will Graham
Shoulder
1-3 weeks
Elliott Himmelberg
Knee
Season
Max Knobel
Foot
Season
Touk Miller
Hamstring
1-3 weeks
Daniel Rioli
Leg
4-6 weeks
Lachie Weller
Cork
Test
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
All eyes will be on Collins and Weller this week ahead of Saturday’s QClash against Brisbane at People First Stadium, with both expected to be available. Rioli’s absence will likely see Connor Budarick shuffled to half-back and potentially open the way for Nick Holman or Malcolm Rosas jnr to join the forward line. David Swallow could also be moved from the substitute role into the starting 22. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Cody Angove
Back
Season
Brent Daniels
Adductor
4-5 weeks
Wade Derksen
Toe
Season
Ollie Hannaford
Ankle
4 weeks
Jesse Hogan
Foot
Test
Josh Kelly
Hip
Test
Jack Ough
Shoulder
Season
Conor Stone
Foot
Season
Sam Taylor
Toe
Test
Callan Ward
Knee
Season
Nathan Wardius
Leg
1-2 weeks
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
The Giants are hopeful that star trio Hogan, Kelly and Taylor will all return for Friday night’s blockbuster showdown against the Swans. However, all three will need to pass fitness tests later this week in order to prove their availability. Young duo James Leake (35 disposals, eight clearances) and Harvey Thomas (17 disposals, three goals) were both emergencies at AFL level and impressed in the VFL, while Nick Madden (26 disposals, two goals) and Harry Rowston (26 disposals, six tackles) were also among the best. Toby McMullin was the other AFL emergency. – Riley Beveridge
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Mabior Chol
Groin
Test
Finn Maginness
Kidney
TBC
Noah Mraz
Knee
5-6 weeks
Josh Weddle
Back
TBC
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
Day will return on Thursday night against Carlton for the first time since suffering another stress fracture in his foot. Maginness remains in Tasmania after having surgery on a lacerated kidney out of the win over Port Adelaide on Saturday. Chol could be available for selection after missing the trip south due to groin soreness. Cam Mackenzie was busy with 27 disposals and seven clearances for Box Hill after being dropped, while Changkuoth Jiath finished with 22 touches after being omitted. Luke Breust kicked 3.2 to keep his name in selection contention. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jack Henderson
Groin
1 week
Marty Hore
Knee/Shoulder
Season
Jake Lever
Ankle
TBC
Steven May
Concussion
1-2 weeks
Shane McAdam
Achilles
Season
Andy Moniz-Wakefield
Knee
Season
Oliver Sestan
Face
4 weeks
Tom Sparrow
Concussion
Test
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
Regardless of the outcome of Wednesday night’s Tribunal hearing, May will miss this Sunday’s clash with St Kilda after sustaining a concussion late against the Blues. It’s left the Dees’ defence looking a little lean, with Lever still sidelined with an ankle issue. Swingman Harry Petty could be recalled to play down back after he returned from concussion via the VFL on the weekend, while young defender Blake Howes is also a solid option to return. Sparrow is tracking well as he progresses through concussion protocols, with a call on his availability to be made later in the week. Mature-aged recruit Aidan Johnson (five goals, 22 disposals, 11 marks) and the uncapped Luker Kentfield (four goals, six marks) had big games for Casey and could be considered should the Dees look to make changes to their forward mix. Sestan was on the comeback from a hamstring injury but has suffered a new setback, copping a knock to his face at training which required surgery. – Alison O’Connor
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jackson Archer
Ankle
Season
Miller Bergman
Knee
Season
Callum Coleman-Jones
Calf
2-3 weeks
Aidan Corr
Calf
2 weeks
Eddie Ford
Foot
Test
Nick Larkey
Knee
Test
Luke McDonald
Shoulder
Season
Darcy Tucker
Knee
Season
Tristan Xerri
Suspension
Round 22
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
The Kangas could welcome back Larkey (knee) for Saturday night’s clash against the Cats. He will likely replace Coleman-Jones (calf), who lasted barely 15 minutes in his long-awaited comeback. The lack of taller options could mean that youngster Taylor Goad (10 disposals, 47 hitouts) debuts in the ruck, especially after impressing at VFL level over the weekend. Finnbar Maley (13 disposals, two goals) is another option. George Wardlaw (29 disposals, nine clearances) appears a certainty to return to the senior fold, having made his comeback from concussion through the reserves. Zane Duursma and Robert Hansen jnr were also emergencies last weekend. – Riley Beveridge
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Ryan Burton
Knee
3-5 weeks
Tom Cochrane
Foot
Season
Jason Horne-Francis
Foot
6 weeks
Todd Marshall
Achilles
Season
Jacob Moss
Ankle
2-3 weeks
Sam Powell-Pepper
Knee
Season
Esava Ratugolea
Hamstring
Season
Connor Rozee
Hand
Test
Dante Visentini
Ankle
Season
Xavier Walsh
Shoulder
Season
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
Captain Rozee missed Saturday’s loss to Hawthorn but is hopeful of being available for the Showdown against Adelaide. Willie Rioli kicked two goals in the SANFL after being dropped and should come under consideration, while Jeremy Finlayson kicked four in the same match to put his hand up. If Ken Hinkley wants to unearth some fresh blood, young key forward Jack Whitlock has impressed at the lower level, with Joe Berry continuing to play well. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jacob Bauer
ACL
Season
Seth Campbell
Concussion
1 week
Judson Clarke
ACL
Season
Mate Colina
Shoulder
Season
Thomson Dow
Patella
2-5 weeks
Liam Fawcett
Foot
3-5 weeks
Campbell Gray
Knee
5-7 weeks
Sam Lalor
Hamstring
Season
Mykelti Lefau
Calf
2-4 weeks
Tom Lynch
Suspension
Round 22
Kane McAuliffe
Quad
Test
Hugo Ralphsmith
Hamstring
Season
Samson Ryan
Foot
TBC
Josh Smillie
Conditioning
1-2 weeks
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
Noah Balta is available for the rest of the season, having now served his court-ordered curfew for an assault conviction, with Jacob Koschitzke the most likely to give way. Campbell will come out of the side after his head was collected by Tim Taranto’s hip, opening the door for the return of Jasper Alger or Steely Green, who booted three in the last official VFL match. Alger (ankle) played in a VFL scratch match on the weekend, as did draftee Harry Armstrong (hamstring), who is available this week. Sam Lalor has undergone hamstring surgery and is expected to start pre-season on time in November. – Sarah Black
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Dan Butler
Elbow
Season
Jack Carroll
Knee
1 week
Hugo Garcia
Wrist
2-3 weeks
Dougal Howard
Hamstring
1 week
Isaac Keeler
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Max King
Knee
Season
Mattaes Phillipou
Plantaris
1 week
Jimmy Webster
Calf
2-3 weeks
Darcy Wilson
Concussion
TBC
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
Wilson has entered concussion protocols after reporting symptoms out of the loss to Geelong on Sunday. Garcia will miss at least another fortnight, while Butler is done for the year after undergoing elbow surgery. Sandringham had the bye, but Paddy Dow has been building towards a return after recovering from the knee nightmare he endured over Christmas. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Taylor Adams
Hamstring
Test
Joel Amartey
HamstringÂ
Season
Will Edwards
Leg
5-6 weeks
Tom McCartin
Concussion
TBC
Logan McDonald
Ankle
1-2 weeks
Tom Papley
Hamstring
Test
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
Papley trained fully over the weekend and will be a test to return against the Giants on Friday night, although McCartin will miss again as the club takes a cautious approach with his latest concussion. If Papley is ruled out and Dean Cox wants to add some forward spark, Tom Hanily (four goals) and Jesse Dattoli (three) impressed in the VFL last weekend, while Caiden Cleary had 30 disposals and seven clearances. Robbie Fox also made his return last week after a long injury lay-off. With star Giant Sam Taylor to return from injury, the Swans might shuffle their tall stocks and bring Peter Ladhams into the 22 or recall Aaron Francis, while Joel Hamling could play forward having shut down Taylor in their round 8 clash. McDonald will commence modified team skills this week and is now listed as just 1-2 weeks away. – Martin Smith
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Oscar Allen
Calf/Achilles/Knee
Season
Callum Jamieson
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Jake Waterman
Shoulder
Season
Elliot Yeo
Ankle
Season
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
The Eagles chose to manage talented young midfielder Elijah Hewett against Richmond but he would be a welcome inclusion for the Derby if cleared to return this week. There should be several changes based on form after a horror third quarter against Richmond, with a strong case for both key defender Sandy Brock and tall forward Archer Reid to return. Defender Bo Allan and midfielder Tom Gross should also be discussed at selection, while draftee Lucca Greggo is waiting to make his debut. On the injury front, the Eagles made the decision to put Yeo in cotton wool after running out of time for him to return from ankle surgery in May. The dual club champion is now focused on being ready for a full 2026 pre-season. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Harvey Gallagher
Foot
Season
Arty Jones
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
James O’Donnell
Ankle
Test
Adam Treloar
Calf
4-6 weeks
Cody Weightman
Knee
Season
Updated: July 22, 2025
In the mix
James Harmes is finally available again after being struck down by illness in recent weeks. O’Donnell faces a fitness test ahead of Friday night’s clash against Essendon. Nick Coffield (27 disposals and 12 marks) responded with a big performance in the VFL after being dropped. Taylor Duryea was busy again, while Michael Sellwood continued his push for a debut with 22 touches against Brisbane’s reserves. Buku Khamis kicked four goals, while Jordan Croft finished with 3.2. – Josh Gabelich