Brent Daniels and Max Gruzewski look on from the bench after sustaining injuries during Greater Western Sydney’s clash against Hawthorn in round 16, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos
Check out the injury updates from all 18 clubs.
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Callum Ah Chee
Hamstring
1 week
Mitch Hinge
Ankle
TBC
Luke Pedlar
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Wayne Milera
Hamstring
1 week
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
Izak Rankine is expected to be available after an injury scare in the Showdown, with the star midfielder dodging ankle and knee damage but set to be closely monitored this week. Milera will miss a second consecutive game with hamstring tightness in a blow to the Crows, who look set to back their midfield to respond after a stoppage smashing against Port Adelaide. Among the options in the SANFL, Sid Draper was impressive with 25 disposals, eight clearances, seven inside 50s and a goal. Billy Dowling (21 and a goal) was also solid, while Nick Murray, Toby Murray and Finnbar Maley are on the cusp of selection if change is made in the tall stocks at either end. Charlie Edwards is a versatile option who could play half-back or midfield if there are cuts to team following a disappointing Showdown. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Oscar Allen
Foot
2-3 weeks
Tom Doedee
Calf
1 week
Lincoln McCarthy
Calf
2-3 weeks
Hugh McCluggage
Hamstring
1 week
Will McLachlan
Quad
1 week
Jack Payne
Knee
TBC
Dayne Zorko
Quad
1 week
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
For one of the rare times in 2026, the Lions could go unchanged for Thursday night’s match against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium. Keidean Coleman and Daniel Annable are back from injury, but will likely return through the VFL, with McCluggage and Zorko still another week away. Chris Fagan played four taller defenders last week and will likely do the same against the Cats’ powerful forward line. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Ben Camporeale
Hamstring
Test
Matt Carroll
Knee
Season
Rob Monahan
Shoulder
Season
Jesse Motlop
Knee
Season
Harry O’Farrell
Knee
TBC
Liam Reidy
Ankle
1-2 weeks
Jacob Weitering
Calf
TBC
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
The Blues don’t expect Weitering to return within the next month, but have a number of others putting their hands up for selection ahead of Saturday night’s clash against the Tigers. Ollie Hollands (30 disposals, nine marks) is among them after another strong showing at VFL level, while Cooper Lord (31 disposals, one goal) and Lachie Fogarty (28 disposals, nine tackles) were also solid. Zac Williams and Flynn Riley, alongside Hollands, were emergencies for the AFL side last weekend. – Riley Beveridge
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jamie Elliott
Knee
Season
Will Hayes
Shoulder
Test
Noah Howes
Shoulder
Test
Brayden Maynard
Shoulder
Test
Reef McInnes
Knee
Season
Darcy Moore
Hamstring
TBC
Isaac Quaynor
Ankle
Test
Oscar Steene
Knee
Season
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
Maynard is building a case to return for the trip to the Gold Coast this weekend, while Quaynor is still dealing with an ankle issue and will need to prove his fitness ahead of round 17. Mitch Podhajski put his hand up for another shot with 4.5 in the VFL after being dropped. Angus Anderson starred at that level again with 30 disposals, 11 clearances and nine tackles. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jaxon Artemis
Hamstring
Test
Tom Edwards
Hamstring
3-4 weeks
Brayden Fiorini
Back
Season
Kayle Gerreyn
Knee
1 week
Lewis Hayes
Knee
Season
Zak Johnson
Foot
1 week
Kyle Langford
Quad
2 weeks
Nic Martin
Knee
Season
Archie May
Shoulder
Season
Liam McMahon
Ankle
Test
Archie Roberts
Shoulder
1 week
Rhys Unwin
Hamstring
2 weeks
Peter Wright
Knee
Test
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
Just as the Bombers looked to be getting healthier, Edwards, Gerreyn and Artemis have been added to the injury list. But they may still opt for changes after a disappointing loss to North Melbourne, and the potential return of Wright would be a huge boost. Elijah Tsatas (36 disposals, 11 clearances and a game-high six score involvements), Nik Cox (15 and two goals) and Max Kondogiannis (27) staked their claims at VFL level, while Jade Gresham (three goals) and Matt Guelfi (two) both hit the scoreboard. – Dejan Kalinic
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Tobyn Murray
Calf
Test
Sam Sturt
Knee/quad
TBA
Adam Sweid
Knee
Test
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
There is room for some debate around the edges, but Fremantle has assembled arguably its best line-up and looks likely to take an unchanged team to Canberra to take on Greater Western Sydney. Midfielders Corey Wagner and Jaeger O’Meara have claims on spots in the Dockers’ best 23 but can’t break in right now, highlighting the team’s depth. Likewise wingman Jeremy Sharp, who has produced elite football at WAFL level all season and had 25 disposals and three goals for Peel Thunder at the weekend. Mason Cox (24 hitouts and a goal) impressed in his return to the WAFL, while key defender Hugh Davies keeps improving his form as he waits for a call-up. Justin Longmuir has shown a preference for managing players within games if the opportunities present, rather than resting players. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Harley Barker
Knee
Indefinite
Toby Conway
Foot/Knee
TBC
Jacob Molier
Quad
Test
Tom Stewart
Concussion
TBC
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
With a bye in round 16, several injured players gained an extra week to rest before the second half of the season. Bailey Smith is set to return from illness for Thursday night’s clash against Brisbane, while Brad Close (ankle) should also be available. Stewart completed Monday’s main training session and just needs final clearance under the League’s concussion protocol to play, while Molier faces a fitness test for VFL selection following a recent conditioning block. – Emily Patterson
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Sam Clohesy
Suspension
Round 18
Koby Coulson
Quad
Test
Alex Davies
Foot
1-3 weeks
Jy Farrar
Ankle
1-3 weeks
Will Graham
Hamstring
1-3 weeks
Lachie Gulbin
Hand
1-3 weeks
Daniel Rioli
Jaw
4-6 weeks
Jake Rogers
Hamstring
1-3 weeks
Avery Thomas
Knee
Test
Lachie Weller
Hamstring
1-3 weeks
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
With so many proven players on the sidelines and a VFL team that has won just twice this year, there’ll be less changes than you might expect for a team that has lost five straight games. Ethan Read has played twice in the VFL following injury and will likely be recalled to face Collingwood on Saturday. Dylan Patterson was named in the emergencies last week and was strong in the reserves, but still feels a little while off. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jack Buckley
Hamstring
Test
Brent Daniels
Calf
TBC
Finn Davis
Quad
2-3 weeks
Tom Green
Knee
Season
Max Gruzewski
Knee
4 weeks
Ollie Hannaford
Foot
4 weeks
Jesse Hogan
Finger
TBC
Darcy Jones
Knee
3-4 weeks
Josh Kelly
Hip
TBC
Jayden Laverde
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Nick Madden
Knee
Test
Toby McMullin
Hamstring
Test
Xavier O’Halloran
Ankle
2-3 weeks
Jake Riccardi
Ankle
5-6 weeks
Nathan Wardius
Knee
Season
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
Scans have confirmed Gruzewski will not require surgery at this stage, with the club managing his rehabilitation conservatively before a gradual return to training in four weeks. A specific recovery timeline is still to be determined for Daniels following his calf strain, with the club taking a cautious approach because of his injury history. Hogan underwent surgery on his fractured finger last Monday and will remain in a specialized splint for at least six weeks. In better news, Buckley, McMullin, and Madden could return to action this week, with all three facing fitness tests during Thursday’s main training session. Meanwhile, Josaia Delana (three goals), Riley Hamilton (two), and James Leake (21 disposals) are in the mix to fill the gaps left by injuries. – Emily Patterson
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Max Beattie
Ankle
1-2 weeks
James Blanck
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Jack Gunston
Foot
Test
Jarman Impey
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Matt LeRay
Concussion
Test
Finn Maginness
Back
Test
Conor Nash
Neck
TBC
Jack Scrimshaw
Knee
TBC
Nick Watson
Hamstring
1 week
Josh Weddle
Suspension
Round 19
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
Sam Mitchell will unveil a debutant in the form of rugby league convert Matt Hill against Melbourne in Launceston on Saturday. The former Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos academy member will replace Watson, who has been ruled out with hamstring tightness. Gunston will need to prove his fitness on Thursday, but is on track to play, while Nash remains sidelined with a lingering neck concern. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jed Adams
Knee
1-2 weeks
Lukas Cooke
Face
1 week
Jai Culley
Knee
Season
Max Heath
Shoulder
Test
Xavier Lindsay
Hip/groin
3-4 weeks
Brody Mihocek
Neck
Season
Andy Moniz-Wakefield
Knee
Season
Harrison Petty
Hamstring
Test
Christian Salem
Foot
1-2 weeks
Jack Viney
Achilles
TBC
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
Fresh off the bye, the Demons have a number of players edging closer to a return. Petty has made good progress in his recovery from a low-grade hamstring strain and is a chance to face Hawthorn on Saturday, while Heath has been dealing with some shoulder soreness and will also undergo a fitness test later in the week as he pushes for a recall to the senior side. Salem, who has been sidelined since round five, has returned to full training with the main group and is closing in on a return. Latrelle Pickett staked his claim for a senior recall after kicking four goals in Casey’s last start before the bye. – Alison O’Connor
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jackson Archer
Knee
Season
Paul Curtis
Suspension
Round 18
Toby Pink
Shoulder
Season
Blake Thredgold
Foot
Season
Luke Urquhart
Knee
1 week
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
The Kangas will get Tristan Xerri (jaw) back for Sunday’s clash against the Power in what will be a huge boost to their ruck stocks. Riley Hardeman (18 disposals, six marks) and Tom Powell (19 disposals) will also be a chance, having impressed at VFL level after respective injury issues. Mid-season recruit Ollie Griffen (10 disposals, three goals) also continues to stake his claim for a debut after a solid stretch in the reserves. Luke McDonald and Taylor Goad joined Hardeman as emergencies last week. – Riley Beveridge
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Miles Bergman
Toe
Test
Kane Farrell
Groin
2-3 weeks
Mani Liddy
Hip
Season
Ollie Lord
Knee
Season
Ewan Mackinlay
Knee
Season
Esava Ratugolea
Knee
Season
Connor Rozee
Hamstring
Season
Josh Sinn
Shoulder
Season
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
Not much reason for Josh Carr to change a winning team, but Bergman will come in if he gets through training this week and puts his hand up for selection against North Melbourne on Sunday. Sam Powell-Pepper made a successful return from his ruptured ACL through the SANFL at the weekend but will likely need some more time in the reserves to press his case. Todd Marshall kicked three goals at the lower level, and could have had more, to keep himself thereabouts. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Harry Armstrong
Foot
Test
Jonty Faull
Back
Season
Josh Gibcus
ACL strain
Season
Campbell Gray
Hamstring
2-6 weeks
Jacob Hopper
Ankle
TBC
Sam Lalor
Achilles
1-3 weeks
Tom Lynch
Larynx
Test
Dion Prestia
Managed
1 week
Tom Sims
MCL
1-3 weeks
Josh Smillie
Quad
3-5 weeks
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
Lynch is likely to be available for a much-needed return to the AFL side provided his final scan on his fractured larynx is clear, with Mykelti Lefau the one likely to make way. Prestia will definitely come out of the AFL team due to hamstring awareness. Judson Clarke (ACL) will play managed minutes in the VFL, as will Armstrong if declared fit. Smillie finally has a timeline, with a chance to be playing matches by the end of the season. In terms of possible inclusions, Luke Trainor impressed in the VFL with 23 disposals and 10 marks, Tyler Sonsie responded well to his omission with 24 and seven clearances, while defender Kaleb Smith keeps putting up huge numbers, with another 37 touches and seven marks. – Sarah Black
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
James Barrat
Foot
TBC
Hunter Clark
Knee
Test
Tom De Koning
Ribs/lung
TBC
Alex Dodson
Adductor
Test
Sam Flanders
Achilles
Season
Dougal Howard
Calf
Test
Max King
Hamstring
TBC
Jack Sinclair
Calf
TBC
Alix Tauru
Suspension
Round 21
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
St Kilda returns from the bye without De Koning or Sinclair after both suffered injuries in the round 15 loss to the Western Bulldogs. De Koning has been discharged from hospital and is set to miss at least a month. Rowan Marshall was cleared of a shoulder injury and set to face Essendon. Paddy Dow put his hand up for his first senior game since serious knee issues at the end of 2024 with two big VFL performances before the bye. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Joel Amartey
Achilles
10 weeks
Riak Andrew
Quad
2 weeks
Braeden Campbell
Shin
1 week
Noah Chamberlain
Hamstring
8-10 weeks
Liam Hetherton
Back
Season
Max King
Back
Season
Justin McInerney
Hamstring
6-7 weeks
Tom Papley
Calf
1 week
Sam Wicks
Hamstring
4-6 weeks
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
Amartey suffered a partial Achilles tendon tear during the final quarter against Brisbane last Thursday night. He has begun rehabilitation and is expected to miss 10 weeks, with Hayden McLean the overwhelming favourite to replace him following a six-goal VFL performance. Meanwhile, Wicks will miss 4–6 weeks after scans confirmed a hamstring strain suffered during training on Monday; the omitted Matt Roberts is a suitable replacement. In better news, Papley and Campbell have integrated back into full team training and match simulation, targeting a return next week. – Emily Patterson
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Sam Allen
Knee/hamstring
7 weeks
Tyler Brockman
Hamstring
Test
Cooper Duff-Tytler
Calf
TBC
Harry Edwards
Concussion
Season
Reuben Ginbey
Quad
7 weeks
Tim Kelly
Hamstring
Test
Noah Long
Knee
Season
Jacob Newton
Foot
Season
Archer Reid
Knee
TBC
Deven Robertson
Knee
Season
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
Kelly is expected to return after experiencing hamstring tightness late last week, giving the midfield a major boost. Jack Wiliams played back in the WAFL and could be recalled as an option to match up on Adelaide’s tall forwards, or to replace injured ruck/forward Duff-Tytler in attack. Mid-season draftee Oliver Francou is pushing hard to debut after 31 disposals and 11 tackles in the WAFL and could give the midfield a needed spark. Defender Josh Lindsay is also available after being dropped, while Lucca Grego (27 and a goal in the WAFL) is worth a shot. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Sam Darcy
Knee
Season
Riley Garcia
Knee
1-3 weeks
Bailey Williams
Hamstring
1-3 weeks
Updated: June 30, 2026
In the mix
Cody Weightman was managed after two games back from a long lay-off heading into the bye after dealing with some soreness after a knock to his elbow, but is expected to return for the trip to face Sydney this Friday night. Williams and Garcia are still sidelined but closing in on returns. Josh Dolan and Jedd Busslinger were both busy in the VFL before the weekend off. – Josh Gabelich