Errol Gulden with his arm in a sling after injuring his shoulder during the match between Sydney and Brisbane at the SCG in round one, 2026. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Check out the injury updates from all 18 clubs.

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Dan Curtin
Knee
7-11 weeks

Sid Draper
Ankle
1-2 weeks

Mitch Hinge
Back
3-4 weeks

Mark Keane
Leg
9-13 weeks

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

Star midfielder/forward Izak Rankine will return for Friday night’s clash against the Western Bulldogs after serving an overhanging suspension. The big question for the Crows is who to omit after an impressive win against Collingwood. Ruck/forward Toby Murray will hold his spot after making his debut against the Pies, with an unlucky midfielder likely to make way for Rankine. Jake Soligo played 60 per cent game time as he builds back after a heart issue, while Luke Pedlar is another whose spot could be vulnerable, despite an impressive pre-season. – Nathan Schmook

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Harris Andrews
Suspension
Round 5

Zac Bailey
Suspension
Round 3

Cody Curtin
Chest
TBC

Tom Doedee
Wrist
Test

Koby Evans
Ankle
1-2 weeks

Darcy Gardiner
Suspension
Round 3

Eric Hipwood
Knee
Mid-season

Luke Lloyd
Ankle
Test

Hugh McCluggage
Calf
Test

Conor McKenna
Hamstring
3-5 weeks

Logan Morris
Hand
Test

Ben Murphy
Chest
TBC

Jack Payne
Knee
TBC

Henry Smith
Foot
3 weeks

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

The bye could not have come at a better time for the Lions – as odd as that reads after two matches. McCluggage and Morris are both expected to be available for round three, with Bailey and Gardiner also returning from suspension. Darragh Joyce should also be around the mark after an elbow infection restricted his preparation last week. – Michael Whiting

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Adam Cerra
Hamstring
1-2 weeks

Matt Cottrell
Knee
1-2 weeks

Francis Evans
Knee
1-2 weeks

Jesse Motlop
Knee
Season

Nic Newman
Suspension
Round 3

Harry O’Farrell
Knee
TBC

Adam Saad
Hamstring
1-2 weeks

Billy Wilson
Foot
1-2 weeks

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

The Blues have the bye at both AFL and VFL level this week, but good news is ahead on the injury front. Cottrell, Evans and Wilson are back in full training and should be available for selection soon, while Saad and Cerra are now integrating back into training and could also return within the next fortnight. – Riley Beveridge

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Bobby Hill
Personal reasons
TBC

Jeremy Howe
Calf
Test

Reef McInnes
Knee
2-4 weeks

Darcy Moore
Calf
Test

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

Moore and Howe will get the benefit of the early-season bye to fully recover ahead of round three. McInnes is still at least a fortnight away from returning from a knee reconstruction. Charlie West could be considered after a slow start to the season by Collingwood’s three key forwards across the first fortnight. – Josh Gabelich

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Cillian Bourke
Hamstring
5-6 weeks

Nick Bryan
Knee
3-4 weeks

Angus Clarke
Syndesmosis
5-6 weeks

Tom Edwards
Knee
1 week

Lewis Hayes
Knee
10-12 weeks

Nic Martin
Knee
Season

Jordan Ridley
Calf
1 week

Will Setterfield
Foot
3 weeks

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

The Bombers are set to regain Isaac Kako in a big boost for Sunday’s clash against Port Adelaide. A tall forward should make way after the Bombers went top-heavy in the loss to Hawthorn. Elijah Tsatas and Jade Gresham were the standouts in a VFL practice match last week, while No.9 draft pick Sullivan Robey got through three quarters as he continues his return from a back injury. Saad El-Hawli could also be an option should the Bombers want to add more pace. Rhys Unwin is set to return, likely via the VFL, following his calf injury, while Ridley (calf) is also getting closer to a comeback. – Dejan Kalinic

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Brennan Cox
Calf
1 week

Michael Frederick
Ankle
3-5 weeks

Jaeger O’Meara
Hamstring
1 week

Aiden Riddle
Ankle
Test

Sam Sturt
Knee
TBC

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

Defender Luke Ryan is on the mend after a bout of illness, but missing the chance to play in the WAFL last week will hamper his selection chances for Saturday’s clash against Melbourne. There will be a selection watch on the second ruck position after Sean Darcy was preferred to Mason Cox in round one, despite an interrupted build-up. The Dockers only need their second ruck to play managed minutes with the way they are using the five-man bench but will ask if Cox can offer more right now as Darcy builds form. Key defender Hugh Davies is on the cusp of selection. Likewise Bailey Banfield, who can slot into half-back, forward or wing roles if change is needed. – Nathan Schmook  

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Harley Barker
Knee
Indefinite

Toby Conway
Foot/Knee
TBC

Keighton Matofai-Forbes
Foot
TBC

Jacob Molier
Foot
5-7 weeks

Tyson Stengle
Conditioning
Individualised program

James Worpel
Finger
Test

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

Worpel missed the Cats’ win over Fremantle with an infected finger and, with the bye this weekend, is expected to be right to face the Crows in round three. There were no other injury concerns out of the game, and with Stengle still weeks away, Geelong is facing minimal changes ahead of its next outing. The Cats’ VFL side tuned up for the season with a 51-point win over Collingwood, booting 22 goals in the process. – Michael Rogers

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Beau Addinsall
Hamstring
4-6 weeks

Elliott Himmelberg
Knee
6-plus weeks

Bailey Humphrey
Hamstring
Test

Max Knobel
Ankle
1-3 weeks

Jai Murray
Leg
6-plus weeks

Matt Rowell
Finger
4-6 weeks

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

There’s going to be at least one unlucky player left out for Saturday’s game against Richmond with Humphrey set to return from a hamstring niggle. Jake Rogers was terrific against West Coast and Jy Farrar brings a level of physicality his coach loves, but it would likely be one of those two. Charlie Ballard has now played two VFL practice games but is another week away, while Jed Walter is right in the frame following four goals at the lower level. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is building match fitness, but listening to coach Damien Hardwick, still needs extra work. – Michael Whiting

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Cody Angove
Hamstring
TBC

Toby Bedford
Hamstring
1-2 weeks

Aaron Cadman
Pelvis
2-3 weeks

Brent Daniels
Hamstring
2-3 weeks

Finn Davis
Groin
3-4 weeks

Tom Green
Knee
Season

Harry Himmelberg
Chin
Test

Darcy Jones
Knee
TBC

Josh Kelly
Hip
TBC

Sam Taylor
Hamstring
5-7 weeks

Nathan Wardius
Knee
TBC

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

The Giants could lose another for Saturday’s clash against the Saints, with Himmelberg being monitored and still receiving treatment from plastics specialists following a nasty laceration to his chin. Leek Aleer and James Leake will both be on standby, in case he isn’t available. Conor Stone and Ollie Hannaford will also be back in contention, having acted as the emergencies last week. Bedford, Cadman and Daniels remain sidelined, with their timelines continuing to get pushed back. – Riley Beveridge

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

James Blanck
Groin
TBC

Will Day
Shoulder
2-3 months

Henry Hustwaite
Ankle
2-3 weeks

Matt LeRay
Ankle
Test

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

Hawthorn has almost a full list to pick from ahead of Thursday night’s blockbuster against Sydney at the MCG. Aidan Schubert kicked four goals in a VFL practice match against Port Melbourne on the weekend, while Matt Hill kicked two and has been putting his hand up for a surprise debut. Flynn Perez continues to push for a first chance in the brown and gold. Harry Morrison and Finn Maginness were dropped after the Opening Round loss to Greater Western Sydney. – Josh Gabelich

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Jake Bowey
Foot
7-9 weeks

Tom Campbell
Neck
TBC

Matt Jefferson
Foot
3-5 weeks

Aidan Johnson
Knee
3-5 weeks

Luker Kentfield
Knee
3-5 weeks

Shane McAdam
Achilles
2-4 weeks

Jack Viney
Achilles
TBC

Kalani White
Glandular fever
3-5 weeks

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

With no fresh injuries and a win to kickstart their 2026 campaign, the Demons could very well head west unchanged to face the Dockers. Veterans Jake Melksham (four first-half goals in a VFL scratch match) and Tom McDonald were emergencies in round one and could get a look after performing strongly at the lower level, while first-round draftee Xavier Taylor impressed off half-back. NGA product Andy Moniz-Wakefield made it through the VFL hitout unscathed in his return match from an ACL injury. – Alison O’Connor

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Jackson Archer
Knee
Season

Taylor Goad
Ankle
3 weeks

Josh Goater
Quad
Test

Blake Thredgold
Foot
TBC

Luke Urquhart
Knee
Test

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

The Kangas will be boosted further ahead of Sunday’s fixture against the Eagles, with midfielder George Wardlaw (hamstring) cleared to return. Alastair Clarkson will now have to decide whether he makes his comeback at AFL level or waits another week, given the VFL side starts its season with a bye and won’t play at the weekend. One option could be to manage his minutes as the side’s ’23rd man’ on the bench. Charlie Spargo (concussion) and Riley Hardeman (ankle) are also available and could crack the senior picture, while Aidan Corr continued his recovery with another VFL practice match last weekend. Callum Coleman-Jones, Zac Banch and Robert Hansen jnr were the side’s emergencies last weekend, but after a first-up win it’ll be hard to see Clarkson changing the side too much going into round two. – Riley Beveridge

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Tom Cochrane
Hamstring
1-2 weeks

Mani Liddy
Groin
Test

Sam Powell-Pepper
Knee
10-12 weeks

Harrison Ramm
Ankle
TBC

Josh Sinn
Shoulder
5-6 months

Ivan Soldo
Knee
Season

Ollie Wines
Suspension
Round 3

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

Port rolled out a strong team to face North Melbourne, so does Josh Carr gives them another chance or make some changes? Jack Lukosius was good in a SANFL practice match and should come right into the frame, while Jordon Sweet will keep pressure on youngster Dante Visentini. Christian Moraes and Will Brodie also put their hands up with strong showings at the lower level. Forward-turned-defender Todd Marshall is expected to be available after hurting his ankle against North. – Michael Whiting

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Judson Clarke
ACL
TBC

Sam Cumming
Shoulder
TBC

Jonty Faull
Suspension
Round 3

Taj Hotton
Hip
TBC

Rhyan Mansell
Wrist
3-4 weeks

Samson Ryan
Foot
1 week

Tom Sims
Elbow/Foot
TBC

Josh Smillie
Quad
6-8 weeks

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

Nick Vlastuin (conditioning) and Mykelti Lefau (club suspension) are now available for selection for Saturday’s match against Gold Coast. Dion Prestia (hamstring) is also ready to play, but is a chance to return via the VFL. Despite a strong showing against Carlton, Mansell fractured his wrist, and has undergone surgery. Cumming is hoping to return to contact training next week. Liam Fawcett kicked three goals in the VFL practice match against Carlton, and could be an option for Faull’s spot, alongside Lefau, while Campbell Gray played just 32 per cent game time. Tyler Sonsie (emergency last week), Jasper Alger and maybe even potential debutant Zane Peucker may come into the frame for Mansell. – Sarah Black

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Ryan Byrnes
Foot
5-7 weeks

Hunter Clark
Adductor
1 week

Paddy Dow
Knee
3 weeks

Liam Henry
Hamstring
3-4 weeks

Max King
Calf/knee
TBC

Jack Macrae
Knee
2-3 weeks

Rowan Marshall
Concussion
Test

Liam O’Connell
Facial fractures
3-4 weeks

Mattaes Phillipou
Quad
Test

Liam Ryan
Shoulder
Test

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

Macrae has been ruled out for at least a fortnight after suffering an MCL sprain against Melbourne on Sunday. Ryan underwent a scan on his shoulder from the huge mark he took at the MCG and has been cleared of structural damage. Phillipou will need to prove his fitness later in the week ahead of the trip to play Greater Western Sydney. Charlie Banfield was the carryover emergency in round one and will come under consideration for a debut. – Josh Gabelich

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Riak Andrew
Quad
TBC

Ned Bowman
Hamstring
3-4 weeks

Braeden Campbell
Shin
TBC

Billy Cootee
Hip
1-2 weeks

Errol Gulden
Shoulder
4 months

Tom Hanily
Shin
Test

Isaac Heeney
Hamstring
Test

Max King
Back
4-5 months

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

From the high of a 2-0 start to the season, the Swans were flattened on Monday by confirmation Gulden will again miss the bulk of the season, while Heeney is also set to miss against the Hawks given the five-day break. Callum Mills could be shifted back on the ball to cover the midfield losses, despite his strong start to the year in defence, with Taylor Adams not yet match fit despite his VFL return last week. Dean Cox could also choose to give the midfield keys to the likes of Warner, McInerney and Sheldrick and bring in a pacey forward-half player like Caiden Cleary. Harry Cunningham also impressed in the twos so could come straight back, although he’s also had an interrupted pre-season. – Martin Smith

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Sam Allen
Knee
TBC

Sandy Brock
Ankle
1 week

Tyler Brockman
Knee
6 weeks

Harry Edwards
Concussion
Test

Tom Gross
Hamstring
1 week

Elijah Hewett
Quad
1 week

Jack Hutchinson
Ankle
5-7 weeks

Noah Long
Knee
Season

Fred Rodriguez
Foot
5-7 weeks

Brandon Starcevich
Calf
3 weeks

Jack Williams
Calf
1 week

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

Co-captain Liam Baker will return after serving a suspension, providing a significant boost for Sunday’s clash against North Melbourne. Edwards is also expected to clear concussion protocols and bolster an undermanned defence, releasing Reuben Ginbey to play as a third tall. Midfielder Tim Kelly was overlooked in round one after recovering from a hamstring injury but could be considered. Likewise midfield recruit Harry Schoenberg, who has served a one-match suspension from the pre-season. Brockman’s return has been delayd by an operation to clear a knee infection. Long had surgery on Monday for his significant knee injury. – Nathan Schmook   

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Jordan Croft
Back
Test

Riley Garcia
Hamstring
TBC

Ryan Gardner
Groin
Test

Arthur Jones
Concussion
Test

Adam Treloar
Calf
Test

Laitham Vandermeer
Concussion
Test

Zac Walker
Ankle
6-8 weeks

Cody Weightman
Knee
TBC

Updated: March 17, 2026

In the mix

Croft missed the round one win over Greater Western Sydney with back soreness and he is yet to be cleared to play, but could return against Adelaide after Will Lewis came in for a debut. Jones is also pushing to return after missing round one with a concussion. Treloar is also set to be available this weekend but is likely to need some minutes in the VFL after an interrupted end to the pre-season. – Josh Gabelich