Callum Wilkie is seen injured during St Kilda’s clash against Gold Coast in round nine, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos
Check out the injury updates from all 18 clubs.
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jordon Butts
Adductor
Test
Mitch Hinge
Hamstring
1 week
Mark Keane
Leg
2-3 weeks
Taylor Walker
Hamstring
Test
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
Callum Ah Chee is ready to play his first game since round two after returning from a hamstring injury through the SANFL. The dual premiership Lion was composed with 15 disposals and got through unscathed to make a strong case for AFL selection. Forward Darcy Fogarty booted three goals in his first game in more than a month after recovering from a back injury, while Billy Dowling (28 disposals, six clearances and eight inside 50s) was impressive. Butts has recovered quicker than expected from an adductor injury and is in the mix to return, while Walker says he is an “outside chance” to face North Melbourne after suffering a minor hamstring injury in round eight. Midfielder/half-back Charlie Edwards remains an option on the cusp of selection. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Oscar Allen
Foot
10-12 weeks
Dan Annable
Shoulder
11-14 weeks
Noah Answerth
Concussion
2 weeks
Jarrod Berry
Calf
Test
Ty Gallop
Hamstring
TBC
Darcy Gardiner
Shoulder
Test
Eric Hipwood
Knee
4 weeks
Luke Lloyd
Ankle
Test
Lincoln McCarthy
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Ben Murphy
Hamstring
Test
Jack Payne
Knee
TBC
Henry Smith
Foot
6-7 weeks
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
The Lions still can’t get much continuity but should regain the services of a couple of premiership players to face Geelong in Thursday night’s Grand Final rematch at the Gabba. Berry and Gardiner will likely come back into the 23, with McCarthy injured and possibly the unlucky Darragh Joyce also to make way. Regaining Berry on a wing means Jaspa Fletcher can return to a full-time role at half-back in McCarthy’s absence. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Lucas Camporeale
Kidney
TBC
Rob Monahan
Shoulder
Season
Jesse Motlop
Knee
Season
Harry O’Farrell
Knee
TBC
Zac Williams
Ankle
Test
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
Williams will have to prove his fitness at training this week after hurting his ankle in the loss to Brisbane last week. Josh Fraser will take charge as interim coach for the first time in the clash against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night, and he has both a relatively healthy list to choose from, and selection pressure. Jack Ison (19 disposals and two goals) has been pushing his case for a debut and impressed again in a VFL thumping of Casey on Saturday, while Wade Derksen kicked five goals. Cooper Lord (22 disposals and a goal) and Ashton Moir (18, 10 marks and two goals) were also good, while Lachie Fogarty (22 disposals, 10 marks and two goals), Jordan Boyd (23), Blake Acres (31 disposals and two goals) and Lewis Young (23 and 16 marks) also produced decent performances. – Dejan Kalinic
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Darcy Cameron
Ankle
Test
Joel Cochran
AC joint
3-5 weeks
Pat Lipinski
Concussion
TBC
Reef McInnes
Knee
Season
Tim Membrey
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Darcy Moore
Concussion
TBC
Harry Perryman
Hamstring
2-3 weeks
Lachie Sullivan
Concussion
TBC
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
Cameron is still dealing with an ankle issue and will need to prove his fitness on Wednesday ahead of the trip to Sydney. Lipinski has joined Moore in concussion protocols after he copped a hit late in the loss to Geelong on Saturday night. Scott Pendlebury has been managed ahead of his record-breaking game in round 11. Sam Swadling continues to push for a debut after 33 touches in the VFL, where Ed Allan finished with 32 and six clearances at Victoria Park. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jye Caldwell
Ankle
Test
Angus Clarke
Foot
3 weeks
Saad El-Hawli
Collarbone
3 weeks
Brayden Fiorini
Back
TBC
Lewis Hayes
Knee
2 weeks
Zak Johnson
Foot
TBC
Isaac Kako
Back
6 weeks
Nic Martin
Knee
Season
Liam McMahon
Ankle
4-6 weeks
Jordan Ridley
Calf
2 weeks
Dyson Sharp
Shoulder
5-6 weeks
Rhys Unwin
Hamstring
5-7 weeks
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
The Bombers will be forced into at least two changes for their clash against Walyalup with young duo Sharp and Johnson sidelined as their injury list grows, with McMahon also hurt in the VFL. Midfielder Caldwell could return from an ankle injury, while several players put their hands up at VFL level. Elijah Tsatas (35 disposals and a goal), Will Setterfield (27), Jade Gresham (20 and four goals) and Harrison Jones (18 and two goals) were the standouts. Small forward Hussien El Achkar kicked another three goals, while Tom Edwards booted two. Dropped from the senior side, Ben McKay had 15 disposals and took five marks. – Dejan Kalinic
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Sean Darcy
Calf
1-3 weeks
Jaeger O’Meara
Face
1 week
Alex Pearce
Knee
1-3 weeks
Sam Sturt
Knee/quad
6-7 weeks
Brandon Walker
Concussion
TBC
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
The Dockers will have at least one forced change after Pearce suffered an MCL injury to his left knee. Fourth-year key defender Hugh Davies is a chance to replace him and play his third career game, while Oscar McDonald is a more experienced option alongside Josh Draper. The Dockers should otherwise be unchanged after a 10-day break that has allowed the squad to freshen up after three consecutive six-day breaks. Wingman turned inside midfielder Jeremy Sharp is continuing to produce terrific form at WAFL level (37 disposals), while speedster Chris Scerri is an option if change is needed in attack. O’Meara has completed a lot of contact and running work and joined some drills on Tuesday as he closes in on a return. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Harley Barker
Knee
Indefinite
Mark Blicavs
Knee
Test
Jhye Clark
Concussion
TBC
Toby Conway
Foot/Knee
TBC
Jack Henry
Foot
Test
Keighton Matofai-Forbes
Foot
4 weeks
Jacob Molier
Hamstring
Test
Jay Polkinghorne
Foot
3-5 weeks
Tyson Stengle
Conditioning
Individualised program
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
Mitchell Edwards is set to return after being rested, potentially displacing veteran ruck Rhys Stanley in the senior side. Blicavs will be a test for the Brisbane clash as he progresses through his recovery, with Henry and Molier also facing fitness tests following this week’s training. Meanwhile, Clark has entered the AFL’s concussion protocols after a training incident, with his return timeline dependent on his progress. On a positive note, Gryan Miers is nearing a senior recall after a successful VFL return from an ACL injury, tallying 21 disposals, four tackles and three clearances in Geelong’s 61-point win over Collingwood. – Emily Patterson
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Sam Clohesy
Suspension
Round 11
Jy Farrar
Ankle
6+ weeks
Elliott Himmelberg
Knee
4-6 weeks
Ben Long
Ankle
Test
Ethan Read
Knee
TBC
Matt Rowell
Ankle
Test
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
Rowell is with his teammates in Darwin for Friday night’s match against Yartapuulti but still has a bit to prove as he navigates a troublesome ankle injury. Read’s absence gives coach Damien Hardwick two options – recall veteran Jarrod Witts as a genuine one-two punch with Ned Moyle or bring in Jed Walter to bolster the forward line and offer some back-up ruck minutes. Long is battling a niggle and will need to get through training on Wednesday and Thursday to prove his fitness. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Leek Aleer
Ankle
1-2 weeks
Cody Angove
Hamstring
2 weeks
Ryan Angwin
Concussion
Test
Tom Green
Knee
Season
Jesse Hogan
Hip
Test
Darcy Jones
Knee
4-6 weeks
Josh Kelly
Hip
TBC
Nick Madden
Knee
5-8 weeks
Xavier O’Halloran
Ankle
TBC
Harry Rowston
Illness
2 weeks
Logan Smith
Knee
TBC
Sam Taylor
Hamstring
2 weeks
Nathan Wardius
Knee
TBC
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
Angwin and Hogan are both tests to return this week, with their availability dependent following Friday’s main training. A return timeline has been set for Jones; the exciting small forward has cleared his final rehab tests and will join full-contact training next week. Similarly, Angove and Taylor are edging closer to returns from pre-season hamstring injuries as they ramp up their training minutes. Rowston is expected to miss two weeks with a knee infection, while O’Halloran has successfully undergone surgery for a syndesmosis injury. O’Halloran will be non-weight bearing for the next week, with a recovery timeline to follow. Additionally, Smith underwent an intervention on persistent knee soreness and has begun re-loading his training demands. – Emily Patterson
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Tom Barrass
Hamstring
3-5 weeks
James Blanck
Shoulder
Test
Mabior Chol
Hamstring
1 week
Will Day
Shoulder
1 week
Calsher Dear
Adductor
Test
Jack Gunston
Foot
Test
Conor Nash
Concussion
1 week
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
Barrass will miss at least the next three games and might not feature until after Hawthorn’s bye in round 14 after straining his hamstring last Thursday night. Nash is also out, while Gunston will need to prove his fitness on Thursday. Chol will miss one more game, while Dear is unlikely to be available after missing the trip to Perth due to an adductor strain. Box Hill had the bye on the weekend. Cameron Nairn is closing in on a debut, as is Matt Hill and Aidan Schubert, while Henry Hustwaite travelled to WA as an emergency. – 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 week
Ricky Mentha jnr
Ankle
Test
Brody Mihocek
Hamstring
2-3 weeks
Christian Salem
Foot
2-3 weeks
Jack Viney
Achilles
TBC
Caleb Windsor
Toe
Test
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
Windsor will need to pass a fitness test ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Hawks after suffering a toe injury on the weekend. Andy Moniz-Wakefield was a late inclusion against the Eagles with key defender Daniel Turner pulling out late with illness. With no fresh injuries and Turner a walk-up start if he’s fit to return, it means it could be last man in, first man out for Moniz-Wakefield (five touches, one goal from 34 per cent game time). Despite copping a hiding from the Blues in the VFL, several players pressed their case for senior selection including Trent Rivers (29 touches, six marks, eight intercepts), who looked sharp on return from a knee issue after more than a month on the sidelines, and veteran Tom McDonald (21 disposals, eight intercepts), who continues to stake his claim for a recall with yet another solid performance. The Demons say both Salem and Lindsay are “unable to complete any high-intensity work” and remain at least a few weeks from a return, but veteran forward Melksham is hopeful of a R11 return from an ankle injury sustained in Gather Round. – Alison O’Connor
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jackson Archer
Knee
Season
Zac Banch
Hamstring
4 weeks
Zac Fisher
Hamstring
1 week
Josh Goater
Calf
1 week
Robert Hansen jnr
Groin
1 week
Tom Powell
Groin
Test
River Stevens
Knee
4-5 weeks
Blake Thredgold
Foot
TBC
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
Powell is a test to take on the Western Bulldogs in round 10 after missing last week with a groin complaint. After being name as an emergency, Banch is facing a month on the sidelines after picking up a moderate hamstring strain in the VFL, while Goater didn’t feature at any level on the weekend due to a calf strain picked up at training. Hansen jnr and Fisher are both ramping up their training as they eye a return to play in round 11, while Stevens is progressing in his rehab. – Sophie Welsh
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Miles Bergman
Toe
TBC
Josh Lai
Concussion
TBC
Ollie Lord
Knee
Season
Jack Lukosius
Groin
2-4 weeks
Sam Powell-Pepper
Knee
4-6 weeks
Harrison Ramm
Ankle
Test
Connor Rozee
Hamstring
8-10 weeks
Josh Sinn
Shoulder
11-13 weeks
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
Josh Carr will need to make a couple of changes for his team facing Gold Coast in Darwin on Friday night with Bergman and Lai both missing. If he wants to go a little taller defensively to support Aliir Aliir, then either Esava Ratugolea, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher or Todd Marshall could be recalled. Tom Cochrane was in blistering SANFL form at the weekend, kicking five goals in Port’s win and would be smashing the door down to play in the Top End. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jasper Alger
Knee
2 weeks
Harry Armstrong
Foot
3-5 weeks
Sam Banks
Collarbone
3 weeks
Tom Brown
Arm
4-5 weeks
Judson Clarke
ACL
5-8 weeks
Josh Gibcus
ACL strain
Season
Taj Hotton
Hip
4-6 weeks
Sam Lalor
Achilles
6-9 weeks
Rhyan Mansell
Foot
TBC
Kane McAuliffe
Achilles
TBC
Toby Nankervis
Hamstring
4-5 weeks
Zane Peucker
Ankle
4-5 weeks
Dion Prestia
Calf
2 weeks
Hugo Ralphsmith
MCL
4-6 weeks
Maurice Rioli
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Tom Sims
Foot
1 week
Josh Smillie
Quad
TBC
Kaleb Smith
Groin
Test
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
It’s a simple equation for Richmond – if Smith fails his fitness test, the Tigers won’t be able to name a full squad of 26 fit players. Sam Grlj will come in after being rested last week, and either Smith or debutant Noah Roberts-Thomson will play to cover for McAuliffe and Brown. The remaining unselected fit players in Richmond’s squad are talls Samson Ryan and Liam Fawcett. Nankervis has suffered somewhat of a setback after pulling up sore following his return to training, while McAuliffe has been pulled back after developing pain in his Achilles. Brown has had surgery on his broken arm. – Sarah Black
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Eamonn Armstrong
Suspension
2 weeks
Dan Butler
Hamstring
2-3 weeks
Hunter Clark
Knee
TBC
Paddy Dow
Concussion
Test
Jack Higgins
Concussion
Test
Kye Fincher
Foot
6 weeks
Max King
Hamstring
5 weeks
Liam Ryan
Calf
3 weeks
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
Calf
3 weeks
Callum Wilkie
Back
Test
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
Wanganeen-Milera will miss another three games with a calf strain after another scan revealed a low-grade strain back in Melbourne. Wilkie has been cleared of internal damage but will need to prove his fitness ahead of Sunday’s game against Richmond. Alix Tauru isn’t an option if the co-captain doesn’t get up after accepting a two-game suspension in the VFL. James Barrat will come under consideration for a debut after his best performance yet in the VFL. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Taylor Adams
Hamstring
6 weeks
Riak Andrew
Quad
3 months
Ned Bowman
Calf
1-2 weeks
Braeden Campbell
Leg
2-3 months
Charlie Curnow
Abdominal
Test
Will Green
Foot
6 weeks
Errol Gulden
Shoulder
7-9 weeks
Liam Hetherton
Back
6 months
Max King
Back
3 months
Tom McCartin
Knee
Test
Matt Roberts
Groin
2-4 weeks
Jai Serong
Hamstring
Test
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
Curnow and Serong both reported soreness following the round eight clash with Melbourne — abdominal and hamstring respectively — and are tests to return for round 10. McCartin is also a test to return this week following a knee sprain. Roberts will miss 2-4 weeks to rehab groin soreness, while Bowman is sidelined for 1-2 weeks with calf soreness sustained during the round six VFL match against the Casey Demons. In the VFL loss to North Melbourne, Jesse Dattoli recorded 12 disposals and three tackles, while Jevan Philippou kicked a goal from his 11 touches. Meanwhile, Andrew is progressing through strength and running mechanics, with a view to commence running over the coming weeks as he continues his three-month recovery block. – Emily Patterson
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Sam Allen
Knee/hamstring
TBC
Tyler Brockman
Knee
3-4 weeks
Jamie Cripps
Knee
TBC
Harry Edwards
Concussion
TBC
Jack Graham
Shoulder
6-7 weeks
Noah Long
Knee
Season
Jacob Newton
Foot
Season
Matt Owies
Calf
Test
Archer Reid
Knee
1-2 weeks
Deven Robertson
Knee
Season
Brandon Starcevich
Calf
1-2 weeks
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
The loss of Harry Edwards to another concussion is a massive blow, with the Eagles heading back to the drawing board with their key defensive stocks. Jobe Shanahan could swing back and create a role in attack for Jack Williams, or defender Rhett Bazzo could earn a chance as Edwards’ replacement after some impressive work as an interceptor at WAFL level. Sandy Brock is the other contender as a key back. In the midfield, Elijah Hewett returned to his preferred onball role and starred for the WAFL Eagles with 27 disposals and six tackles. Fellow midfielder Tom Gross has been a consistent performer as he pushes for an AFL chance. On the injury front, Allen suffered a high grade hamstring injury during training last week and will require surgery. Cripps has escaped surgery after suffering a knee in the WAFL, with scans showing a significant strain and MCL damage. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Sam Darcy
Knee
Season
Tim English
Concussion
TBC
Luke Kennedy
Eye
Test
Tom Liberatore
Concussion
TBC
Rory Lobb
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
James O’Donnell
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Cody Weightman
Knee
2-4 weeks
Laitham Vandermeer
Hamstring
4-6 weeks
Updated: May 12, 2026
In the mix
English entered concussion protocols last Friday night and won’t be available against Carlton on Saturday night. Lobb and O’Donnell are closing in on a return, but not ready just yet, while Weightman is eyeing some VFL time in a fortnight. Sam Davidson, Louis Emmett and Josh Dolan were all emergencies in round nine after being dropped, but didn’t play for Footscray due to the bye. – Josh Gabelich