Hugh McCluggage during the Opening Round match between Brisbane and Western Bulldogs at the Gabba, March 7, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

Check out the injury updates from all 18 clubs.

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Dan Curtin
Knee
8-12 weeks

Mitch Hinge
Back
4-6 weeks

Mark Keane
Leg
10-14 weeks

Izak Rankine
Suspension
Round 2

Riley Thilthorpe
Back
Test

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

Thilthorpe is expected to be available after managing back soreness, with the star forward set to resume full training this week. Midfielder James Peatling has recovered from a hamstring injury and will be available. Hinge has completed his first week of rehab running as he recovers from a back injury, while Curtin has started running on an anti-gravity treadmill as he targets a return inside the next three months. Rankine is unavailable for the season-opener due to suspension but has recovered from a hamstring injury. Likewise Isaac Cumming and Callum Ah Chee, while Jake Soligo is back in full training after he sought recent treatment for an irregular heartbeat. Among the new names pushing to debut are draftee Mitchell Marsh, young midfielder Charlie Edwards and key tall Toby Murray. – Nathan Schmook

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Harris Andrews
Suspension
Round 5

Zac Bailey
Suspension
Round 3

Cody Curtin
Chest
TBC

Tom Doedee
Wrist
1 week

Koby Evans
Ankle
2-3 weeks

Darcy Gardiner
Suspension
Round 3

Eric Hipwood
Knee
Mid-season

Luke Lloyd
Ankle
1-2 weeks

Hugh McCluggage
Calf
1-2 weeks

Conor McKenna
Hamstring
4-6 weeks

Ben Murphy
Chest
TBC

Jack Payne
Knee
TBC

Henry Smith
Foot
4 weeks

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

Chris Fagan has some serious juggling to do ahead of Saturday night’s match against Sydney at the SCG, with current All-Australians Andrews, McCluggage and Bailey missing from the team that lost to the Western Bulldogs, along with lockdown defender Gardiner. Barring any mishaps, Sam Draper appears certain to play his first game for the Lions, moving impressive debutant Zane Zakostelsky from the back-up ruck to a key defensive role, while Darragh Joyce will almost certainly bolster the back six. Lincoln McCarthy could play his first game in almost two years, while Will McLachlan would also be in the frame for a half-forward spot. Top-10 draft pick Dan Annable could be in line for a debut with fellow Academy graduate Sam Marshall also in contention to cover the absence of McCluggage. – Michael Whiting

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Adam Cerra
Hamstring
2-3 weeks

Matt Cottrell
Knee
2-3 weeks

Francis Evans
Knee
2-3 weeks

Jesse Motlop
Knee
Season

Nic Newman
Suspension
Round 3

Harry O’Farrell
Knee
TBC

Adam Saad
Hamstring
2-3 weeks

Billy Wilson
Foot
TBC

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

The Blues will lose Saad for the next fortnight, but could call upon a number of options as replacements after Blake Acres (shoulder), Lachie Cowan (calf) and Matt Carroll (hamstring) all made it through a VFL practice match last weekend. Nick Haynes (ankle) has returned to full training, but will make his comeback through the reserves. Cerra, Cottrell and Evans won’t be considered until after the side’s round two bye at the earliest. Expect the likes of Jordan Boyd, Hudson O’Keeffe, Flynn Young, Wade Derksen and Talor Byrne to be among those vying to return to Michael Voss’ senior side. – Riley Beveridge

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Jeremy Howe
Calf
1 week

Reef McInnes
Knee
3-5 weeks

Darcy Moore
Calf
Test

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

Moore will need to prove his fitness at main training on Thursday before being cleared to return from a calf strain on Saturday night. Howe has been ruled out for another week. Oscar Steene and Joel Cochran were included in the 26-man squad against St Kilda but are still hunting debuts. Lachie Sullivan was also an emergency in Opening Round. – Josh Gabelich

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Cillian Bourke
Hamstring
6-7 weeks

Nick Bryan
Knee
4-5 weeks

Angus Clarke
Syndesmosis
6-8 weeks

Tom Edwards
Knee
2 weeks

Lewis Hayes
Knee
TBC

Isaac Kako
Hamstring
Test

Nic Martin
Knee
Season

Jordan Ridley
Calf
2 weeks

Will Setterfield
Foot
5-6 weeks

Rhys Unwin
Calf
1 week

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

The Bombers may opt against risking Kako (hamstring) as the young gun pushes to play in their opener against Hawthorn on Friday night. No.9 draft pick Sullivan Robey is back in training, but isn’t among the draftees in contention to debut after his interrupted pre-season. Dyson Sharp, Max Kondogiannis and Hussien El Achkar will make their AFL debuts, while Jacob Farrow has made an impression this pre-season. The Bombers have also provided timeframes for two of their ACL victims of last season in Bryan and Edwards. – Dejan Kalinic

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Brennan Cox
Calf
1 week

Michael Frederick
Ankle
4-6 weeks

Charlie Nicholls
Foot
Test

Alex Pearce
Calf
Test

Aiden Riddle
Ankle
1 week

Sam Sturt
Knee
TBC

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

Pearce got through the first of Fremantle’s two key training days on Tuesday and should be available to take on Geelong. Key defensive sidekick Cox has been ruled out, however, after missing the session, with Hugh Davies and Oscar McDonald both options to replace him. Hayden Young was also missing on Tuesday after lower leg soreness following the AAMI Community Series. He could yet prove his fitness on Thursday. Sam Switkowski has cleared concussion protocols and is available. Frederick’s injury could open the door for draftee Tobyn Murray, while pre-season selection Chris Scerri has also impressed with his speed in a half-forward role. – Nathan Schmook  

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Harley Barker
Knee
Indefinite

Jeremy Cameron
Quad
Test

Toby Conway
Foot/Knee
TBC

Patrick Dangerfield
Calf
Test

Keighton Matofai-Forbes
Foot
TBC

Jacob Molier
Foot
7-9 weeks

Tyson Stengle
Conditioning
Individualised program

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

Cameron and Dangerfield will play against Fremantle as long as they get through main training on Thursday, with the club suggesting the pair was very close to playing in Opening Round against Gold Coast. Ruck Rhys Stanley will likely play in this week’s VFL practice match. Stengle is still some time away as he works on an individual program after missing a significant chunk of the pre-season while on personal leave. – Michael Rogers

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Beau Addinsall
Hamstring
4-6 weeks

Elliott Himmelberg
Knee
6-plus weeks

Max Knobel
Ankle
1-3 weeks

Jai Murray
Leg
6-plus weeks

Matt Rowell
Finger
4-6 weeks

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

No fresh injuries for the Suns and a landslide win over Geelong means it’s hard to see many changes for Sunday’s twilight game against West Coast. Jed Walter is available after a one-week suspension and is right in the frame, but Jy Farrar was preferred at the end of last season and did an excellent job against the Cats. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan impressed in a VFL practice match last Friday, kicking five goals, but would probably need another match or two based on comments from coach Damien Hardwick. The same goes for Charlie Ballard and Jake Rogers, who successfully got through the same match in their respective comebacks from injury. – Michael Whiting

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Cody Angove
Hamstring
TBC

Toby Bedford
Hamstring
2 weeks

Aaron Cadman
Pelvis
2 weeks

Brent Daniels
Hamstring
3 weeks

Tom Green
Knee
Season

Darcy Jones
Knee
TBC

Josh Kelly
Hip
TBC

Sam Taylor
Hamstring
6-8 weeks

Nathan Wardius
Knee
TBC

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

The Giants hope Leek Aleer (groin) and Toby McMullin (hamstring) will put their names up for selection this week, having been cleared to return to full duties. But the likes of Bedford, Cadman and Taylor have had their return dates pushed back. – Riley Beveridge

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

James Blanck
Groin
TBC

Will Day
Shoulder
3 months

Henry Hustwaite
Ankle
2-4 weeks

Matt LeRay
Ankle
Test

Cam Mackenzie
Concussion
Test

Cam Nairn
Back
Test

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

Mackenzie will need to train fully on Wednesday and then pull up fine on Thursday to exit concussion protocols ahead of Friday night. Hustwaite suffered a low-grade syndesmosis injury and will be out for at least a fortnight. Flynn Perez was included in the 26 against GWS after signing a contract for 2026 and will be considered. Noah Mraz was the other travelling emergency in Opening Round and is hunting a debut, along with Aidan Schubert, while Calsher Dear played in a VFL practice match for Box Hill after being overlooked at selection. – Josh Gabelich

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Jake Bowey
Foot
8-10 weeks

Tom Campbell
Neck
TBC

Matt Jefferson
Foot
4-6 weeks

Luker Kentfield
Knee
4-6 weeks

Shane McAdam
Achilles
2-4 weeks

Jack Viney
Achilles
TBC

Kalani White
Glandular fever
4-6 weeks

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

A key trio have been cleared to face St Kilda on Sunday, with coach Steven King confirming to AFL.com.au on Tuesday that pre-season standout Jai Culley (arm), recruit Brody Mihocek (concussion) and star forward Bayley Fritsch (hand) are all available after overcoming injury. A debut could be on the cards for exciting forward Latrelle Pickett, who the Demons took with pick No.12 in last year’s draft. Ex-Saints captain Jack Steele and former Hawk Changkuoth Jiath are a good chance to play their first games in the red and blue, while Andy Moniz-Wakefield (knee) and Jack Henderson (sacrum) have also been passed fit ahead of round one. Young forwards Kentfield (knee) and Jefferson (foot) are at least a month away, while no timeline has been set for Viney’s return with the veteran continuing to battle an Achilles issue. – Alison O’Connor

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Jackson Archer
Knee
Season

Taylor Goad
Ankle
3-4 weeks

Riley Hardeman
Ankle
Test

Charlie Spargo
Concussion
1-2 weeks

Blake Thredgold
Foot
TBC

George Wardlaw
Hamstring
1 week

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

The Kangas have cleared Colby McKercher (finger) to play in round one, while Luke McDonald (wrist) is also in contention after making it through a VFL practice match last weekend. Aidan Corr (calf) will continue his recovery through the VFL, but is making progress. Hardeman is still 50/50 and will face a fitness test later this week, but Spargo will miss out after entering concussion protocols. Wardlaw is expected to be available from round two, but the club may take a cautious approach to his latest soft tissue setback. Callum Coleman-Jones played in that VFL practice match last weekend, which would suggest Cooper Trembath is ahead in the ruck-forward race. – Riley Beveridge

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Tom Cochrane
Hamstring
2-3 weeks

Mani Liddy
Groin
Test

Sam Powell-Pepper
Knee
11-13 weeks

Josh Sinn
Shoulder
TBC

Ivan Soldo
Knee
Season

Ollie Wines
Suspension
Round 3

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

Almost an entire squad for Josh Carr to pick from ahead of round one against North Melbourne on Sunday. Miles Bergman (foot) will be available after being rested against West Coast in the AAMI Community Series, as will Jack Lukosius (groin) who missed the same match. Most of the big decisions for Carr revolve around the edges of his 23, with Ewan Mackinlay staking a strong case against the Eagles. – Michael Whiting

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Judson Clarke
ACL
TBC

Sam Cumming
Shoulder
TBC

Taj Hotton
Hip
TBC

Mykelti Lefau
Suspension
Round 2

Dion Prestia
Hamstring
1 week

Samson Ryan
Foot
3-4 weeks

Tom Sims
Elbow/Foot
TBC

Josh Smillie
Quad
6-10 weeks

Nick Vlastuin
Conditioning
Test

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

Prestia has been ruled out of Richmond’s round one clash with Carlton, while Ollie Hayes-Brown (patella) is available should the Tigers opt for two rucks. Sims has returned to running, while Clarke’s slated trip to high performance clinic Aspetar in Qatar has been cancelled due to unrest in the region. Sam Grlj is a chance to make his debut this week, while Jonty Faull (concussion) and Noah Balta (hamstring) are also available. – Sarah Black

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Ryan Byrnes
Foot
6-8 weeks

Hunter Clark
Adductor
2-3 weeks

Paddy Dow
Knee
3-4 weeks

Liam Henry
Hamstring
5-6 weeks

Max King
Calf/knee
TBC

Rowan Marshall
Concussion
1-2 weeks

Liam O’Connell
Facial fractures
4-5 weeks

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

Marshall entered concussion protocols on Sunday night and won’t be available against Melbourne this Sunday. Dow has been sidelined with knee swelling out of the VFL and will spend up to a month on the sidelines, while Clark suffered a low-grade adductor strain in the reserves. Charlie Banfield was included in the 26-man squad against Collingwood after an impressive maiden summer and is in the hunt for a debut. – Josh Gabelich

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Riak Andrew
Quad
TBC

Ned Bowman
Hamstring
5-6 weeks

Braeden Campbell
Shin
TBC

Billy Cootee
Thigh
2-3 weeks

Harry Cunningham
Quad
Test

Jesse Dattoli
Foot
Test

Tom Hanily
Shin
1-2 weeks

Max King
Back
5 months

Jevan Phillipou
Quad
Test

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

There’s unlikely to be many, if any, changes to Sydney’s side to face Brisbane after their dominant second half against Carlton last week. There would have been a temptation to rush back Cunningham from injury given he’s played a lockdown role on Charlie Cameron in the past, but he is set to return via the VFL, as will veteran midfielder Taylor Adams, while youngsters Dattoli and Phillipou are also a chance to return in the twos. Tom Papley will again be on managed minutes after he played just 57 per cent game time against the Blues, while Angus Sheldrick will be a watch after he played just 56 per cent. The timeline for Campbell remains unclear, but he’ll be a long-term absentee. – Martin Smith

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Sam Allen
Knee
TBC

Liam Baker
Suspension
Round 2

Tyler Brockman
Knee
5 weeks

Harry Edwards
Concussion
1 week

Jack Graham
Hamstring
Test

Tom Gross
Hamstring
3-4 weeks

Jack Hutchinson
Ankle
6-8 weeks

Noah Long
Knee
Season

Fred Rodriguez
Foot
6-8 weeks

Harry Schoenberg
Suspension
Round 2

Brandon Starcevich
Calf
3-4 weeks

Bailey Williams
Groin
1-2 weeks

Jack Williams
Calf
Test

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

Reuben Ginbey will be available to take on Gold Coast after recovering from a sore toe joint in a big boost for the Eagles and their injury-hit defence. Midfielder Tim Kelly has also recovered from a hamstring injury, while Liam Duggan has cleared concussion protocols. Midfielder Graham has hurdles to clear this week but is pushing to prove his fitness after a hamstring injury. Starcevich has suffered a setback with an existing calf injury, delaying his club debut for at least three weeks. Important defender Brady Hough will be available after missing the AAMI Community Series, with draftees Josh Lindsay, Willem Duursma and Cooper Duff-Tytler all making strong cases to debut in the Eagles’ season opener at People First Stadium. Co-captain Baker will miss due to suspension. – Nathan Schmook   

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Riley Garcia
Hamstring
TBC

Ryan Gardner
Groin
Test

Arthur Jones
Concussion
1-2 weeks

Adam Treloar
Calf
Test

Ryley Sanders
Concussion
Test

Laitham Vandermeer
Concussion
1-2 weeks

Zac Walker
Ankle
5-7 weeks

Cody Weightman
Knee
TBC

Updated: March 10, 2026

In the mix

Luke Beveridge will be forced to make one change after Jones entered concussion protocols from the incident involving Harris Andrews. Sanders is on track to be available for Saturday’s game against Greater Western Sydney, while Treloar didn’t play in the VFL on the weekend but will play some minutes this weekend if he trains fully. – Josh Gabelich