Will Day is seen injured during Hawthorn’s clash against Adelaide in round 21, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos
Check out the injury updates from all 18 clubs.
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jordon Butts
Chest
Test
Lachlan McAndrew
Jaw
3 weeks
Max Michalanney
Hamstring
3-4 weeks
Josh Rachele
Knee
TBC
Oscar Ryan
Hamstring
6-7 weeks
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
Defender Rory Laird was managed for last Friday night’s win against Hawthorn but shapes as a likely inclusion for the trip west to face the Eagles. Fellow backman Butts could also come into the frame after returning to full training and contact work following his recovery from a punctured lung. The Crows are in excellent shape and, with 15 wins and a massive percentage, could look to manage one or two players if needed. If they do, players who have been on the fringe include wingman Luke Nankervis, forward Luke Pedlar, and draftee Sid Draper. Key forward Chris Burgess has been a regular goalkicker in the SANFL and was an emergency last week if veteran Taylor Walker requires a rest. Matt Crouch had a team-high 33 disposals in the SANFL. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Noah Answerth
Achilles
Season
Keidean Coleman
Quad
5-7 weeks
Ryan Lester
Concussion
1 week
Kai Lohmann
Calf
2-3 weeks
Lincoln McCarthy
Knee
Season
Conor McKenna
Hamstring
3 weeks
Lachie Neale
Quad
3 weeks
Jack Payne
Knee
Season
James Tunstill
Concussion
TBC
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
Fresh off the rousing win over Collingwood there will be at least two changes to face Sydney on Saturday, with Chris Fagan needing to decide who replaces Neale and Lester. Stacked for midfield depth, the Lions could bring in Deven Robertson who is in the midst of another strong VFL season, or upgrade Bruce Reville from the sub role to the wing and give more midfield minutes to Levi Ashcroft or Jarrod Berry. Lester’s replacement could see Tom Doedee play his first game in Lions colours after slowly finding form in the VFL, while Darragh Joyce is the other like-for-like option as a medium-sized defender. The Swans do not have a particularly tall forward line, in which case the Lions could opt for name Shadeau Brain or possibly debutant Luke Beecken if they wish to go smaller. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Ben Camporeale
Suspension
Round 23
Adam Cerra
Knee soreness
Test
Matt Cottrell
Foot
Season
Orazio Fantasia
Hamstring
Test
Brodie Kemp
Achilles
Season
Harry Lemmey
Hamstring
2-3 weeks
Mitch McGovern
Hamstring
Test
Nic Newman
Knee
Season
Harry O’Farrell
Knee
Season
Jack Silvagni
Groin
Season
Jagga Smith
Knee
Season
Sam Walsh
Foot
1 week
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
First-year sensation O’Farrell will undergo surgery after his heartbreaking ACL tear was confirmed by scans on Monday. A timeline has finally been set for Walsh’s return, with the star midfielder expected to be available next week to face Port Adelaide after re-joining the main training group following his lingering foot problem. But in not so good news, Silvagni won’t feature again this season, the club putting him on ice after he was unable to build back to full training loads with his groin issue. With his season over, he underwent surgery last week to remove the plate in his hand that he broke in round seven. McGovern, Fantasia and Cerra will all face fitness tests ahead of the Blues’ clash with Gold Coast on Saturday night. – Alison O’Connor
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Harvey Harrison
Knee
Season
Bobby Hill
Illness
Test
Tew Jiath
Quad
Season
Beau McCreery
Hamstring
1 week
Reef McInnes
Knee
Season
Jakob Ryan
Foot
6-8 weeks
Iliro Smit
Foot
3-4 weeks
Lachie Sullivan
Knee
Season
Charlie West
Foot
3-4 weeks
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
Jeremy Howe will return against Hawthorn on Thursday night after missing the past three games with a hamstring strain. Billy Frampton could also return against the Hawks’ tall forward line. Tom Mitchell was the carryover emergency on the weekend after being squeezed out of the 23. Harry DeMattia impressed in the VFL again while Wil Parker was busy in the win over Williamstown at Point Gellibrand. Noah Howes kicked four goals to continue his eye-catching form since joining the club via the Mid-Season Rookie Draft. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Nick Bryan
Knee
Season
Nate Caddy
Groin
TBC
Jye Caldwell
Ankle
3 weeks
Nik Cox
Concussion
Season
Sam Draper
Achilles
Season
Tom Edwards
Knee
Season
Lewis Hayes
Knee
Season
Harrison Jones
Ankle
Season
Nic Martin
Knee
Season
Ben McKay
Foot
TBC
Darcy Parish
Calf
Season
Zach Reid
Hamstring
Season
Jordan Ridley
Hamstring
3 weeks
Will Setterfield
Foot
Season
Elijah Tsatas
Hamstring
2 weeks
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
In some good news, Kyle Langford will return from a quad injury this week via the VFL, but there is otherwise no relief on the injury front ahead of Friday night’s clash against Geelong. Rhys Unwin played his best game in his first season with 24 disposals and a goal in the VFL. Vigo Visentini (13 disposals and 34 hitouts), Zak Johnson (21), Kayle Gerreyn (18), Saad El-Hawli (15) and Alwyn Davey jnr (18) were others who were solid at the lower level. – Dejan Kalinic
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Matthew Johnson
Ankle/foot
1-2 weeks
Odin Jones
Back
Season
Alex Pearce
Shin
Test
Aiden Riddle
Foot
Season
Sam Sturt
Knee
Season
Corey Wagner
Heel
Test
Hayden Young
Groin
TBC
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
Captain Pearce is pushing to return after completing a large session on the weekend, with the key defender now needing to get through main training this week. Wagner has battled some lingering soreness in his heel but shapes as an important inclusion if he can prove his fitness ahead of Saturday night’s clash against Port Adelaide. Nat Fyfe was terrific in his WAFL return with 27 disposals in managed game time, with the Dockers likely to consider him as a substitute option initially. Defenders Brandon Walker and Cooper Simpson continue to put their hands up, while Will Brodie, who had 35 disposals in the WAFL, was an emergency last week. On the injury front, the Dockers are hopeful Young will return in the next three weeks after a low-end groin strain. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Mitch Duncan
Shoulder
Test
Cameron Guthrie
Calf
Test
Jake Kolodjashnij
Groin
Test
Ollie Henry
Concussion
Concussion protocols
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
Geelong could find itself with just one player on its injury list if Duncan, Guthrie and Kolodjashnij all pass fitness tests this week. All three are likely to return via the VFL, given the long layoffs in Guthrie and Kolodjashnij’s cases, and the strong form of the senior team. Should a spot open up ahead of the first bounce against Essendon on Friday night, Jhye Clark and George Stevens loom among the likely inclusions given their strong form in the Cats’ last VFL outing two weeks ago. – Michael Rogers
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Charlie Ballard
Knee
Season
Sam Clohesy
Ankle
Test
Zak Evans
Thumb
Season
Will Graham
Shoulder
1-3 weeks
Elliott Himmelberg
Knee
Season
Max Knobel
Foot
Season
Daniel Rioli
Leg
4-6 weeks
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
Facing Carlton in Melbourne off the back of two strong wins, it’s unlikely Damien Hardwick will tinker with his team too much. He might want to give workhorse ruckman Jarrod Witts a rest at some stage, which would open the door for Ned Moyle to play, but aside from that it would be tinkering around the edges. Malcolm Rosas jnr kicked four goals in the VFL at the weekend to keep his name front of mind, while Jed Walter kicked a couple in his second match back at the lower level. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Cody Angove
Back
Season
Jack Buckley
Calf
3 weeks
Brent Daniels
Adductor
3-4 weeks
Wade Derksen
Toe
Season
Ollie Hannaford
Ankle
3-4 weeks
Jesse Hogan
Foot
Test
Josh Kelly
Calf
3 weeks
Toby McMullin
Ankle
Season
Jack Ough
Shoulder
Season
Conor Stone
Foot
Season
Nathan Wardius
Knee
Season
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
The Giants will welcome back Toby Greene from suspension to face the Roos, although they might be without Hogan as he continues to manage a foot issue. McMullin’s serious ankle injury means he is one of seven players in the ‘season over’ category, with youngster Wardius also joining the list this week after rupturing his ACL in the VFL. Key players Buckley, Kelly and Daniels remain several weeks away. James Leake and Josh Fahey had plenty of the ball in the twos over the weekend so may be considered. – Martin Smith
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Will Day
Foot
Season
Finn Maginness
Kidney
Season
Noah Mraz
Knee
3-4 weeks
Josh Weddle
Back
TBC
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
Day won’t play again in 2025 but the star midfielder doesn’t require surgery in some good news from a dire situation. The 2023 best and fairest winner suffered another hot spot in his foot against Adelaide. Cam Mackenzie is in the frame to return after collecting 28 touches in the VFL last Saturday, while Sam Butler finished with 28 touches to put his hand up for a recall. Henry Hustwaite has starred for Box Hill this year, but struggled for senior opportunities. Changkuoth Jiath also impressed for Box Hill with 24 touches against Southport. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Marty Hore
Knee/Shoulder
Season
Jake Lever
Ankle
TBC
Steven May
Suspension
Round 23
Shane McAdam
Achilles
Season
Andy Moniz-Wakefield
Knee
Season
Oliver Sestan
Face
2 weeks
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
Melbourne says it’s unlikely that Lever will return this season as he deals with an ongoing ankle issue. May has been cleared from concussion protocols but remains unavailable for another week due to his suspension. Jack Henderson, who was sidelined with a groin injury, has recovered well and is expected to be available this weekend at some level. With interim coach Troy Chaplin taking the reins against the Western Bulldogs, there could be immediate changes to the Dees’ line-up. SSP signing Jai Culley earned a debut against the Eagles and more than impressed against his old side and should hold his spot. – Alison O’Connor
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jackson Archer
Ankle
Season
Zac Banch
Ribs
Test
Miller Bergman
Knee
Season
Callum Coleman-Jones
Calf
1 week
Aidan Corr
Calf
1 week
Paul Curtis
Suspension
Round 23
Brayden George
Shoulder
Season
Josh Goater
Calf
2-3 weeks
Nick Larkey
Knee
TBC
Luke McDonald
Shoulder
Season
Jy Simpkin
Knee
Test
Darcy Tucker
Back
Season
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
There’s significant doubt over star goalkicker Larkey’s fitness after he reaggravated a knee injury during last week’s loss to St Kilda. He appears unlikely to play this week with the club still to put a timeline on his return. Banch is a test after being substituted at half-time with a rib injury, along with captain Simpkin, who has been experiencing inflammation of the tendon behind his knee. Corr and Callum-Jones are closing in on returns. George’s season is over after copping a shoulder injury at training. 2024 mid-season draft pick-up Geordie Payne appears a likely inclusion for the suspended Paul Curtis after booting six goals in the VFL at the weekend. – Brandon Cohen
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Benny Barrett
Ankle
TBC
Miles Bergman
Shoulder
Season
Jase Burgoyne
Leg
TBC
Ryan Burton
Knee
1-2 weeks
Tom Cochrane
Foot
Season
Jason Horne-Francis
Foot
Season
Jack Lukosius
Calf
Test
Todd Marshall
Achilles
Season
Jacob Moss
Ankle
Test
Sam Powell-Pepper
Knee
Season
Esava Ratugolea
Hamstring
Season
Ivan Soldo
Concussion
TBC
Dante Visentini
Ankle
Season
Xavier Walsh
Shoulder
Season
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
After missing with illness at the weekend, Port Adelaide should welcome back skipper Connor Rozee to play Fremantle at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night. Logan Evans also missed with illness and looks a straight swap for Burgoyne who has been ruled out of this week’s match. Lukosius is closing in on a return, while Willie Rioli has now spent a few weeks in the SANFL, kicking two goals in a win at the weekend, and could be considered. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jacob Bauer
ACL
Season
Judson Clarke
ACL
Season
Mate Colina
Shoulder
Season
Thomson Dow
Patella
Season
Jonty Faull
Knee
Season
Liam Fawcett
Foot
1-3 weeks
Campbell Gray
Knee
3-5 weeks
Ollie Hayes-Brown
Hamstring
1-3 weeks
Sam Lalor
Hamstring
Season
Mykelti Lefau
Calf
1-3 weeks
Kane McAuliffe
Quad
3-5 weeks
Hugo Ralphsmith
Hamstring
Season
Samson Ryan
Foot
3-5 weeks
Josh Smillie
Conditioning
TBC
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
Tim Taranto is available to play this week after two matches out with a calf, while Tom Lynch has now served his five-match ban for striking. Faull’s promising first season is over, but he has avoided surgery. Smillie was a chance to feature in the VFL last week, but has once again been set back by illness, and “still pulling up a little bit sore”. A line has also been put through Dow’s season. Given the lengthy injury list, there aren’t many options in the VFL, with just Josh Gibcus, Jacob Koschitzke and Jacob Blight playing in the twos last weekend. – Sarah Black
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Dan Butler
Elbow
Season
Dougal Howard
Hamstring
TBC
Isaac Keeler
Hamstring
Test
Max King
Knee
Season
Mitch Owens
Hamstring
Season
Patrick Said
Calf
2 weeks
Jimmy Webster
Calf
2 weeks
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
Owens will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring strain out of the win over North Melbourne, with surgery yet to be ruled out for the key forward. Keeler could be available for selection after dealing with a hamstring strain. Ross Lyon has some options at selection in the midfield after back-to-back wins. Mattaes Phillipou impressed in his return from a plantaris injury in the VFL, while Paddy Dow fired again to put his hand up for a senior recall after finishing with 28 touches against North Melbourne. Darcy Wilson starred for Sandringham with 37 disposals and 14 clearances. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Joel Amartey
Hamstring
Season
Will Edwards
Leg
Season
Joel Hamling
Hamstring
Season
Will Hayward
Calf
Test
Logan McDonald
Ankle
Season
Hayden McLean
Concussion
Test
Ben Paton
Knee
Season
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
Hayward and McLean will both push to return against the Lions after missing the Bombers game, which will add to the selection squeeze after several players put their hand up in the VFL last week. Matt Roberts responded to his axing with 31 touches, while Taylor Adams had 32 disposals, 12 clearances, six tackles and a goal. Ollie Florent was unspectacular on his senior return last week so might be vulnerable again, with youngsters like Caiden Cleary and Jesse Dattoli pushing hard for more senior footy. Paton’s season is over after he suffered a knee injury last week. – Martin Smith
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Bo Allan
Ankle
Season
Oscar Allen
Calf/Achilles/Knee
Season
Harry Edwards
Foot
Test
Jack Hutchinson
Hamstring
2-3 weeks
Callum Jamieson
Hamstring
Test
Jacob Newton
Wrist
Test
Harley Reid
Anke
Season
Jake Waterman
Shoulder
Season
Elliot Yeo
Ankle
Season
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
The Eagles will have a much-needed injection of experience with midfielder Jack Graham available after serving his four-game suspension. Key defender Sandy Brock is the likely replacement for Harry Edwards if the big man is sidelined by a fresh foot issue after scans revealed tendon irritation. In attack, Malakai Champion impressed in the WAFL and could earn another chance. It wouldn’t surprise if the match committee reverts to Matt Flynn in the ruck after he was surprisingly omitted against the Demons. Hutchinson suffered a hamstring injury in the WAFL. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Harvey Gallagher
Foot
Season
Adam Treloar
Calf
1-3 weeks
Cody Weightman
Knee
Season
Updated: August 5, 2025
In the mix
Treloar is building towards a return this year after the Western Bulldogs kept their season alive last Thursday night. The All-Australian could return in the VFL as soon as next weekend if things keep progressing. James Harmes kept his hand up for a recall after amassing 31 touches for Footscray last Friday. Nick Coffield performed strongly again, while Josh Dolan and Jordan Croft both kicked three each in the VFL – Josh Gabelich