Adelaide forward Taylor Walker during the Showdown in R8, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos
Check out the injury updates from all 18 clubs.
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jordon Butts
Adductor
2-3 weeks
Mitch Hinge
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Mark Keane
Leg
2-4 weeks
Taylor Walker
Hamstring
2-3 weeks
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
Callum Ah Chee is set to play his first game since round two after recovering from a hamstring injury in a major boost for the Crows, who need to make at least two forced changes this week for their clash with Richmond. Injuries to Walker and Butts in the Showdown could open the door for key defender Nick Murray to return and tall forward Darcy Fogarty, who has spent five weeks sidelined with a back injury. Captain Jordan Dawson will be welcomed back when he is ready, with Charlie Edwards and Billy Dowling both on the fringe of selection. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Oscar Allen
Foot
10-14 weeks
Dan Annable
Shoulder
11-15 weeks
Noah Answerth
Concussion
Concussion protocols
Jarrod Berry
Calf
1 week
Ty Gallop
Concussion
Concussion protocols
Darcy Gardiner
Shoulder
1 week
Eric Hipwood
Knee
5-6 weeks
Luke Lloyd
Ankle
1 week
Ben Murphy
Hamstring
1 week
Jack Payne
Knee
TBC
Henry Smith
Foot
8 weeks
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
There’ll be at least one change for Friday night’s team to host Carlton at the Gabba with Gallop out due to concussion. Darragh Joyce is a likely replacement in defence, although Zane Zakostelsky has played there previously this season also. Lincoln McCarthy is not listed on the club’s report although appeared to be favouring his hamstring at the end of last weekend’s win over Essendon. The cavalry is not far from returning with Gardiner and Berry potentially available the following week to face Geelong. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Lucas Camporeale
Kidney
TBC
Rob Monahan
Shoulder
Season
Jesse Motlop
Knee
Season
Harry O’Farrell
Knee
TBC
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
The Blues could make a raft of changes for Friday night’s clash against the Lions after another dispiriting performance last week. George Hewett (31 disposals, two goals) continues to do all he can in the VFL, while first-year youngster Jack Ison (13 disposals, three goals) has pressed for a debut in recent weeks and was again strong in the twos across the weekend. Lachie Fogarty (24 disposals, one goal) and Blake Acres (19 disposals, two goals) were other experienced players to have impressed at reserves level, while Flynn Young and Cooper Lord were among the emergencies last week. – Riley Beveridge
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Darcy Cameron
Ankle
Test
Joel Cochran
AC joint
4-6 weeks
Reef McInnes
Knee
Season
Tim Membrey
Hamstring
2-3 weeks
Harry Perryman
Hamstring
4-5 weeks
Lachie Sullivan
Concussion
Concussion protocols
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
Cameron could be available against Geelong on Saturday night after being cleared of major damage to his ankle after the draw in round eight, but Perryman will miss at least the next month with a hamstring strain. Scott Pendlebury and Jeremy Howe will return after being managed against the Hawks, while Beau McCreery also missed due to general soreness and is available. Cochran will undergo surgery this week on his shoulder after damaging his AC joint. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jye Caldwell
Ankle
Test
Angus Clarke
Foot
4 weeks
Saad El-Hawli
Collarbone
4 weeks
Brayden Fiorini
Back
TBC
Lewis Hayes
Knee
3 weeks
Isaac Kako
Back
TBC
Nic Martin
Knee
Season
Jordan Ridley
Calf
3 weeks
Rhys Unwin
Hamstring
6-8 weeks
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
The Bombers could welcome back Mason Redman for their clash against the Giants after he made his return through the VFL. Midfielder Darcy Parish is also set to be available, having been managed for the loss to the Lions, while Archie May could return from his knee injury. Caldwell is dealing with an ankle issue and could be available, but El-Hawli and Unwin are facing spells on the sidelines, while recruit Fiorini will undergo surgery on his back. Unlucky to be dropped, Elijah Tsatas had 34 disposals and 10 clearances in the VFL, while Zak Johnson (28) continued to push his case. Will Setterfield (25 disposals and nine tackles) and Archie Perkins (20 and eight) were also solid, while Hussien El Achkar and Liam McMahon each kicked three goals. Ruck Nick Bryan (15 disposals and 22 hitouts) is closing in on an AFL return, while Harrison Jones (calf) and Vigo Visentini (hamstring) are available again. – Dejan Kalinic
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Sean Darcy
Calf
2-4 weeks
Jaeger O’Meara
Face
2 weeks
Sam Sturt
Knee
7-8 weeks
Brandon Walker
Concussion
Test
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
Defender Judd McVee has become an important part of the Dockers’ versatile backline and should return this week after missing the Western Bulldogs clash with illness. With McVee back and Walker returning to main training after concussion, it brings the Dockers’ squad close to full strength, with Darcy and O’Meara progressing. Alex Pearce has pulled up well after copping a heavy knock to his shoulder, with key defender Hugh Davies in strong form at WAFL level if needed. Small forward Chris Scerri, wingman Nathan O’Driscoll and half-back Cooper Simpson are others on the fringe of selection. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Harley Barker
Knee
Indefinite
Mark Blicavs
Knee
1-3 weeks
Toby Conway
Foot/Knee
TBC
Jack Henry
Foot
Test
Keighton Matofai-Forbes
Foot
4 weeks
Gryan Miers
Knee
Test
Jacob Molier
Hamstring
1 week
Jay Polkinghorne
Foot
3-5 weeks
Tyson Stengle
Conditioning
Individualised program
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
Henry and Miers face fitness tests ahead of the Magpies clash, with Henry recovering from foot soreness and Miers requiring assessment throughout this week’s training. Molier is ruled out for a week following a minor hamstring strain, while Blicavs is 1–3 weeks away after completing his first running session on Monday. Additionally, Polkinghorne and Matofai-Forbes remain on track as they progress through their respective rehabilitation programs. Pushing for senior selection, veteran ruck Rhys Stanley dominated the VFL with 39 hitouts and a goal, spearheading Geelong’s 13-point victory. Midfielders George Stevens (34 disposals, 12 clearances), Jhye Clark (32 touches) and Mitch Knevitt (27 disposals) also maintained elite form to press for selection. Oli Wiltshire contributed 13 disposals, while young forward Jesse Mellor finished with two goals. – Emily Patterson
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Sam Clohesy
Suspension
Round 11
Jy Farrar
Ankle
6+ weeks
Elliott Himmelberg
Knee
4-6 weeks
Matt Rowell
Ankle
Test
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
Rowell will take part in main training on Wednesday and provided he gets through that would be likely to face St Kilda in Darwin on Saturday night. Jarrod Witts was rested at the weekend in favour of Ned Moyle and should return to face the Saints’ dual ruck threats of Tom De Koning and Rowan Marshall, with coach Damien Hardwick saying he had flirted with the idea of two genuine rucks. Zeke Uwland was also rested against the Giants and appears the ideal replacement for suspended wingman Clohesy, although fellow draftee Jai Murray (41 and a goal) is right in the frame for a debut after a blistering VFL performance. Beau Addinsall has also strung together an excellent patch at the lower level and has impressed the club’s hierarchy. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Leek Aleer
Ankle
1-2 weeks
Cody Angove
Hamstring
3 weeks
Ryan Angwin
Concussion
TBC
Tom Green
Knee
Season
Jesse Hogan
Hip
Test
Darcy Jones
Knee
TBC
Josh Kelly
Hip
TBC
Nick Madden
Knee
TBC
Logan Smith
Knee
TBC
Sam Taylor
Hamstring
3 weeks
Nathan Wardius
Knee
TBC
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
Angwin will miss the Bombers clash with concussion, while Hogan faces a fitness test for a hip pointer. Scans confirmed a low-grade syndesmosis injury for Aleer, who is expected to be sidelined for 1–2 weeks following treatment on Wednesday. Smith has hit a hurdle in his reconditioning, requiring a revised management plan. Conversely, Angove and Taylor are nearing selection, with both slated to rejoin team training this week. Looking to fill the gaps, several VFL stars have put forth undeniable cases for selection. Harry Rowston was dominant with 31 disposals and a goal, supported by Jack Ough (29 touches) and Toby McMullin in the engine room. Up forward, Max Gruzewski spearheaded a 56-point win with four goals, while Riley Hamilton (three goals) and Jake Riccardi kept the scoreboard ticking. In the defensive half, Conor Stone remained rock solid alongside Oskar Taylor, who provided elite rebound with 24 disposals. – Emily Patterson
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
James Blanck
Shoulder
1 week
Mabior Chol
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Will Day
Shoulder
2-3 weeks
Calsher Dear
Adductor
1-2 weeks
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
The high performance department has taken a hit with veteran physio Andrew Lambart requiring surgery after doing both hamstrings last Thursday night. Hawthorn will unveil another debutant in the form of third-year defender Bodie Ryan after a decent run for Box Hill in the VFL. Dear will miss the trip to Perth to face the Doctors due to an adductor strain but could Aidan Schubert be considered as a second debutant? Henry Hustwaite, Sam Butler and Bailey Macdonald all impressed for Box Hill last Friday night. Day joined full training on Tuesday and is closing in on a return in the coming weeks. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Tom Campbell
Neck
TBC
Jai Culley
Knee
Season
Aidan Johnson
Hip/groin
Test
Xavier Lindsay
Hip/groin
2-4 weeks
Shane McAdam
Achilles
TBC
Jake Melksham
Ankle
1-2 weeks
Ricky Mentha jnr
Ankle
TBC
Brody Mihocek
Hamstring
3-5 weeks
Trent Rivers
Knee
Test
Christian Salem
Foot
2-3 weeks
Jack Viney
Achilles
TBC
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
A number of Demons are in line for a return this week. Rivers will undergo a fitness test ahead of the weekend after overcoming the knee issue that has kept him sidelined for more than a month, while defender Jake Bowey (23 disposals) has now strung together two VFL games following a long-term foot injury and could be in line for a senior recall. Veteran Tom McDonald (27 disposals, eight marks) again impressed for Casey and is also in the mix to return. The Demons need to find a replacement for Mihocek, who will be sidelined at least three weeks after suffering a moderate-grade hamstring strain early in the match against the Swans. Key forward Luker Kentfield (two goals, nine disposals) and first-year small forward Tom Matthews (three goals,10 touches) both performed strongly in the VFL and could be considered for a debut. Meanwhile, Lindsay’s return has been delayed after experiencing hip and groin soreness following a return to running last week. – Alison O’Connor
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jackson Archer
Knee
Season
Luke Davies-Uniacke
Hamstring
Test
Zac Fisher
Hamstring
2-3 weeks
Robert Hansen jnr
Groin
TBC
River Stevens
Knee
6 weeks
Blake Thredgold
Foot
TBC
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
The Kangas will need Davies-Uniacke to pass a fitness test before Saturday’s clash against the Swans, but George Wardlaw (illness) has recovered and will be fit to play. Taylor Goad (19 disposals, one goal) and Cooper Harvey (32 disposals, five marks) were among the best at VFL level, while Toby Pink and Jacob Konstanty were also among the emergencies for the senior side last week. – Riley Beveridge
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Tom Anastasopoulos
Concussion
Test
Mani Liddy
Groin
1-2 weeks
Ollie Lord
Knee
Season
Jack Lukosius
Groin
3-5 weeks
Sam Powell-Pepper
Knee
4-6 weeks
Connor Rozee
Hamstring
8-10 weeks
Josh Sinn
Shoulder
12-14 weeks
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
Port has a couple of key defenders back in consideration this week following lengthy layoffs. Esava Ratugolea has overcome a knee injury and is available for the first time since round three, while Harrison Ramm (ankle) is also in the frame for the first time this season. Although it’s unlikely Josh Carr will make any changes for Friday night’s match against the Western Bulldogs following an excellent past three weeks, Jack Watkins, Will Lorenz and Jackson Mead continue to knock the door down with excellent form in the SANFL. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jasper Alger
Knee
3 weeks
Harry Armstrong
Foot
4 weeks
Sam Banks
Collarbone
4 weeks
Judson Clarke
ACL
7-10 weeks
Josh Gibcus
ACL strain
Season
Taj Hotton
Hip
6-8 weeks
Sam Lalor
Achilles
8-12 weeks
Rhyan Mansell
Foot
TBC
Toby Nankervis
Hamstring
3 weeks
Zane Peucker
Ankle
6 weeks
Dion Prestia
Calf
3-4 weeks
Hugo Ralphsmith
MCL
4-6 weeks
Maurice Rioli
Hamstring
4 weeks
Tom Sims
Foot
3-4 weeks
Josh Smillie
Quad
TBC
Kaleb Smith
Groin
1 week
Tim Taranto
Concussion
Test
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
If 15 on the injury list felt excessive last Tuesday, 17 is absurd. Taranto should be right to return this week, after taking an extra week to recover from lingering concussion symptoms, and will replace Prestia (3-4 weeks). Budding star Lalor has avoided surgery but will miss the next 2-3 months, while Gibcus has been ruled out for the season, undergoing stabilisation surgery but not a full knee reconstruction. Timelines have finally been set for the return of Sims, Hotton and Clarke. Just three players lined up in the VFL, with Luke Trainor the travelling emergency for the seniors. Liam Fawcett kicked two, while Samson Ryan responded from his omission with 34 hitouts and 20 touches. – Sarah Black
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Eamonn Armstrong
Concussion
Test
Dan Butler
Hamstring
2-4 weeks
Hunter Clark
Knee
TBC
Paddy Dow
Concussion
Concussion protocols
Angus Hastie
Concussion
Test
Jack Higgins
Concussion
Concussion protocols
Isaac Keeler
Hamstring
Test
Max King
Hamstring
6 weeks
Liam Ryan
Hip cork
TBC
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
King, Dow, Higgins and Butler were all ruled out on Sunday, but the Saints could regain Ryan for the trip to Darwin to face Gold Coast. Clark’s luckless run has continues with the midfielder undergoing surgery on his knee after an issue out of the win over West Coast in round seven. Hugh Boxshall starred in the VFL on Saturday to put his hand up for another shot in the senior team, while Tobie Travaglia was busy after returning from a foot injury. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Taylor Adams
Hamstring
6-8 weeks
Riak Andrew
Quad
TBC
Braeden Campbell
Leg
3 months
Will Green
Foot
7 weeks
Errol Gulden
Shoulder
8-10 weeks
Liam Hetherton
Back
6 months
Max King
Back
3 months
Tom McCartin
Knee
1-2 weeks
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
McCartin is steadily progressing through his rehabilitation for a knee ligament sprain, with a return expected in the next one to two weeks. Meanwhile, Adams remains sidelined for six to eight weeks as he continues his hamstring recovery. Both Campbell and Andrew are building strength and nearing a return to running as they navigate three-month timelines. Green, Gulden and King all remain on track as they move through their respective rehabilitation programs. Should Brodie Grundy require a rest, Peter Ladhams has made an undeniable case for a senior recall, amassing 32 disposals and 33 hitouts in another dominant VFL performance. Caiden Cleary (35 touches) and Corey Warner (two goals, 24 disposals) also impressed, while experienced duo Joel Hamling (23 touches, 10 marks) and Harry Cunningham (22 disposals, 9 marks) anchored the defence. Up forward, Hayden McLean proved clinical with two goals and a vital late intercept to secure the win over Casey. – Emily Patterson
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Sam Allen
Knee
3-4 weeks
Tyler Brockman
Knee
TBC
Jack Graham
Shoulder
8-9 weeks
Noah Long
Knee
Season
Jacob Newton
Foot
Season
Archer Reid
Knee
2-4 weeks
Deven Robertson
Knee
Season
Brandon Starcevich
Calf
2-3 weeks
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
Harry Edwards will be a much-needed inclusion in defence if he’s available this week, with the 204cm backman returning from concussion in the WAFL on managed minutes. The Eagles’ backline has struggled and the match committee could also look to in-form defender Rhett Bazzo if more change is needed. Bo Allan should be considered to return against Melbourne, while midfielder Tom Gross has performed at WAFL level and should soon earn the opportunity to develop at the top level. Jack Williams (three goals and six marks in the WAFL) is available if one of the club’s young talls needs a rest. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Connor Budarick
Hamstring
Test
Sam Darcy
Knee
Season
Riley Garcia
Hamstring
Test
Luke Kennedy
Eye
1-2 weeks
Tom Liberatore
Concussion
Concussion protocols
Rory Lobb
Hamstring
2-3 weeks
James O’Donnell
Hamstring
3-5 weeks
Cody Weightman
Knee
3-5 weeks
Laitham Vandermeer
Hamstring
6-7 weeks
Updated: May 5, 2026
In the mix
Marcus Bontempelli has carried a knee injury across the past fortnight but is expected to face Port Adelaide on Friday night. Budarick is pushing to return from a hamstrint injury, but the Dogs will still be undermanned in defence without O’Donnell or Lobb. Weightman is now only a few weeks away from being available to return at VFL level. Cooper Hynes impressed for Footscray to put his hand up for another shot at AFL level. – Josh Gabelich