Darcy Gardiner walks from the field with an injury during the round 17 match between Geelong and Brisbane at GMHBA Stadium, on July 2, 2026. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos
Check out the injury updates from all 18 clubs.
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Callum Ah Chee
Hamstring
Test
Mitch Hinge
Ankle
3-4 weeks
Luke Pedlar
Hamstring
Test
Wayne Milera
Hamstring
Test
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
Star forward Riley Thilthorpe was a late withdrawal against West Coast last Friday night because of illness but is expected to be available for Saturday’s clash against Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval. Milera missed a second consecutive game with hamstring tightness but should return this week if he gets through training in a significant boost. Ah Chee and Pedlar are also expected to be available, with Pedlar ahead of schedule with his moderate grade hamstring strain. Jordon Butts returned from a calf injury in the SANFL and is available, while young midfielder Charlie Edwards (30 disposals and two goals) produced a strong performance at state league level. Nick Murray and Sid Draper have been on the cusp of selection, with Isaac Cumming responding with 20 disposals and seven marks in the SANFL last week after being axed. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Oscar Allen
Foot
1-2 weeks
Darcy Gardiner
Hamstring
4-6 weeks
Lincoln McCarthy
Calf
1-2 weeks
Jack Payne
Knee
Season
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
The Lions are closing in on their strongest team with Hugh McCluggage and Dayne Zorko both back to face Essendon at the Gabba on Sunday. Zorko will come in for Gardiner, leaving Harris Andrews, Ty Gallop and Ryan Lester as the tall defenders, although Chris Fagan could opt for Darragh Joyce if he wanted to keep a similar structure to last week. James Tunstill is likely to be the other unlucky omission. Tom Doedee and Will McLachlan are both back off long breaks, likely through the VFL. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Matt Carroll
Knee
Season
Harry Dean
Hand
Test
Rob Monahan
Shoulder
Season
Jesse Motlop
Knee
Season
Harry O’Farrell
Knee
TBC
Liam Reidy
Ankle
Test
Jacob Weitering
Calf
TBC
Lewis Young
Concussion
1-2 weeks
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
The Blues are hopeful Dean will play in Saturday night’s clash against the Hawks, likely replacing Young down back after he entered the AFL’s 12-day protocols. Cooper Lord (27 disposals, one goal) and Lachie Fogarty (28 disposals, one goal) were among those to impress at VFL level, with Ashton Moir (18 disposals, two goals) also showing promising signs in attack. Flynn Young, Flynn Riley and Blake Acres were the emergencies at senior level last week and will also be considered. – Riley Beveridge
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jamie Elliott
Knee
Season
Tew Jiath
Hamstring
1 week
Reef McInnes
Knee
Season
Darcy Moore
Hamstring
Season
Isaac Quaynor
Ankle
1 week
Iliro Smit
Concussion
Concussion protocols
Oscar Steene
Knee
Season
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
Scott Pendlebury will return against North Melbourne on Friday night, creating a selection headache after a great win over the Suns in round 17. Angus Anderson replaced him and kicked two goals. Quaynor will miss again due to a lingering ankle concern. Lachie Sullivan starred in the VFL with 32 disposals and 11 tackles as he hunts another chance in Craig McRae’s side. Harrison Coe amassed 28 hitouts against Henry Smith in the ruck. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Tom Edwards
Hamstring
3 weeks
Brayden Fiorini
Back
Season
Kayle Gerreyn
Knee
1 week
Lewis Hayes
Knee
Season
Zak Johnson
Foot
Test
Kyle Langford
Quad
1 week
Nic Martin
Knee
Season
Archie May
Shoulder
Season
Archie Roberts
Shoulder
Test
Rhys Unwin
Hamstring
1 week
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
The Bombers could be boosted by the return of half-back Roberts for their clash against Brisbane on Sunday, while Johnson is also a test to return from his foot injury. Mid-season recruit Jaxon Artemis didn’t play at any level last week due to a hamstring injury but is set to return this week. Liam McMahon marked his return from injury with a four-goal haul in the VFL, while youngster Angus Clarke (21 disposals and two goals) is closing in on a senior spot again. Elijah Tsatas (29 disposals, seven tackles, six clearances and a goal) put his hand up for a recall again, while Matt Guelfi and Jade Gresham both kicked two goals. – Dejan Kalinic
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Tobyn Murray
Calf
Test
Charlie Nicholls
Finger
TBA
Sam Sturt
Quad
TBA
Hayden Young
Groin
Test
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
The Dockers have four distinct options to replace Young, with each providing different benefits. Jaeger O’Meara is a big body who can help at the coalface, Corey Wagner has the versatility to play as a run-with midfielder among several roles, while Chris Scerri is a front half speedster who would boost the Dockers’ forward pressure. The other option is wingman Jeremy Sharp, who missed last week with illness but has been a star in the WAFL as an inside midfielder this season. Wagner and O’Meara were in the team as recently as round 14 and shape as the frontrunners. Both were emergencies, alongside Scerri, against GWS. Wagner remained in Perth, however, and impressed with 29 disposals and six inside 50s in the WAFL as an inside midfielder. Mason Cox had 30 hitouts, eight disposals and three marks for Peel. On the injury front, Nicholls suffered a broken finger at training last week and will undergo surgery on Wednesday. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Harley Barker
Knee
Indefinite
Toby Conway
Foot/Knee
TBC
Jacob Molier
Quad
Test
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
The Cats have an incredibly healthy list heading into the business end of the season. After he was unable to get up for last weekend’s game, Molier will again face a fitness test for VFL selection following a recent conditioning block. The Cats have dropped four of their last five games and there’s plenty of pressure coming from below if they opt to shake things up. Gryan Miers (27 disposals) looked smooth in the VFL and could be considered for a recall, while Jhye Clark (30 disposals, nine marks) and Mitch Knevitt (30, three goals) continue to impress at the lower level. – Alison O’Connor
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Alex Davies
Foot
1-3 weeks
Jy Farrar
Ankle
1-3 weeks
Will Graham
Hamstring
Test
Lachie Gulbin
Hand
1-3 weeks
Elliott Himmelberg
Knee
Season
Ben Long
Suspension
Round 20
Daniel Rioli
Jaw
1-3 weeks
Jake Rogers
Hamstring
Test
Lachie Weller
Hamstring
1-3 weeks
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
The Suns will get even younger against Adelaide on Saturday night, with Graham likely to replace the suspended Long, although Rogers is also right in the frame. Sam Clohesy is back from suspension and a chance to return. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Leek Aleer
Groin
1 week
Jack Buckley
Calf
TBC
Brent Daniels
Calf
TBC
Finn Davis
Quad
1 week
Tom Green
Knee
Season
Max Gruzewski
Knee
3-4 weeks
Ollie Hannaford
Foot
3-4 weeks
Jesse Hogan
Finger
TBC
Darcy Jones
Knee
3-4 weeks
Josh Kelly
Hip
TBC
Jayden Laverde
Hamstring
Test
Xavier O’Halloran
Ankle
Test
Jake Riccardi
Ankle
4-5 weeks
Nathan Wardius
Knee
Season
Lachie Whitfield
Concussion
TBC
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
After a great result against Fremantle, GWS will host Geelong without Whitfield who enters concussion protocols. The running defender will likely be replaced by Laverde should he get through training, with Phoenix Gothard also a possibility to return after being managed last round. Nick Madden and Toby McMullin returned from injuries and put in strong performances for the VFL side against Coburg, as did Cody Angove. However, it’s hard to see too many changes at the Giants this week. – Howard Kimber
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Karl Amon
Knee
Test
Josh Battle
Appendix
1-2 weeks
Max Beattie
Ankle
Test
James Blanck
Hamstring
Test
Sam Butler
Leg
1-2 weeks
Henry Hustwaite
Face
4 weeks
Jarman Impey
Hamstring
Test
Conor Nash
Neck
TBC
Ned Reeves
Knee
1-3 weeks
Jack Scrimshaw
Knee
4-6 weeks
Nick Watson
Hamstring
Test
Josh Weddle
Suspension
Round 19
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
Hawthorn’s injury list has grown over the past week, but Watson is expected to return against Carlton. Impey and Amon face fitness tests on Thursday, while Battle will miss again after having his appendix removed last Thursday night. Reeves could miss up to three weeks with a knee joint issue, while mystery surrounds when Nash will be available to play again due to an ongoing disc issue. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jed Adams
Knee
Test
Jai Culley
Knee
Season
Bayley Fritsch
Finger
Test
Max Heath
Shoulder
Test
Xavier Lindsay
Hip/groin
3-4 weeks
Brody Mihocek
Neck
Season
Andy Moniz-Wakefield
Knee
Season
Christian Salem
Foot
Test
Jack Viney
Achilles
TBC
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
Fritsch will need to pass a fitness test before he is cleared to face Richmond on Sunday. The forward dislocated his finger early in the game against the Hawks, and while he returned to play, he has since had the wound stitched and is on restricted duties this week. Important defender Salem could play for the first time since April after ticking off the final steps in his rehab from a foot injury, but given the length of time he’s spent on the sidelines, a VFL return would be the likeliest scenario. Mid-season recruit Lukas Cooke, who fractured his face on debut, will return to football this weekend. Although unforced changes are unlikely, veteran Tom McDonald (20 touches, seven marks) and youngster Xavier Taylor (16, five tackles) performed well at the lower level. – Alison O’Connor
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jackson Archer
Knee
Season
Toby Pink
Shoulder
Season
Blake Thredgold
Foot
Season
George Wardlaw
Hamstring
3-4 weeks
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
The Kangas will lose Wardlaw for much of the next month, which is a brutal blow ahead of the side’s clash against the Pies on Friday night. However, Paul Curtis’ return from suspension will help soothe the selection headaches somewhat. The VFL side had the bye over the weekend, so there is no exposed form to pick from, but Zane Duurmsa, Griffin Logue and Zac Banch were among the emergencies last week. – Riley Beveridge
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Kane Farrell
Groin
Test
Mani Liddy
Hip
Season
Ollie Lord
Knee
Season
Ewan Mackinlay
Knee
Season
Sam Powell-Pepper
Training block
TBC
Esava Ratugolea
Knee
Season
Connor Rozee
Hamstring
Season
Josh Sinn
Shoulder
Season
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
Farrell has progressed quicker than expected and would be included to face St Kilda on Saturday should he get through training this week. His inclusion might be the only change for a team that has won its past two matches. After recently recovering from a second ruptured ACL and playing in the SANFL, Powell-Pepper will enter a training block, with Port saying he “needs to focus his energy further toward his mental preparedness”. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jonty Faull
Back
Season
Josh Gibcus
ACL strain
Season
Campbell Gray
Hamstring
2-6 weeks
Ollie Hayes-Brown
Knee
Test
Jacob Hopper
Ankle
TBC
Sam Lalor
Achilles
2 weeks
Dion Prestia
Hamstring
Test
Tom Sims
MCL
Test
Josh Smillie
Quad
2-4 weeks
Kaleb Smith
Concussion
TBC
Luke Trainor
Concussion
TBC
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
Sam Grlj is available after a week’s rest, while Ross will definitely come out of the team after another concussion, with Prestia a chance to return. After a rough season, Sims has made a speedy recovery from his MCL injury, and looks set to come back through the VFL. It remains to be seen if Maurice Rioli (personal) will be available. Lalor now has a firm timeline of two weeks, rather than a range, and Smillie has returned to full training. Trainor suffered a concussion on Thursday at training, while Smith suffered his during the VFL loss. Judson Clarke (ACL) and Harry Armstrong (foot) made successful returns through the VFL last week on managed minutes. – Sarah Black
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
James Barrat
Foot
TBC
Tom De Koning
Ribs
TBC
Alex Dodson
Adductor
Test
Sam Flanders
Achilles
Season
Dougal Howard
Calf
Test
Max King
Conditioning
TBC
Jack Sinclair
Calf
Season
Alix Tauru
Suspension
Round 21
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
Sinclair has now been ruled out for the rest of the season, while De Koning is expected to need a couple more weeks before being cleared to return. Paddy Dow had 30 disposals again in the VFL, while Dan Butler went back to the VFL and kicked three goals. Jack Carroll, Hugh Boxshall, Hunter Clark and Charlie Banfield are all hunting another chance at senior level. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Joel Amartey
Achilles
9 weeks
Riak Andrew
Quad
Test
Braeden Campbell
Shin
Test
Noah Chamberlain
Hamstring
7-9 weeks
Liam Hetherton
Back
Season
Max King
Back
Season
Peter Ladhams
Groin
2-3 weeks
Justin McInerney
Hamstring
5-6 weeks
Logan McDonald
Quad
1 week
Tom Papley
Calf
Test
Sam Wicks
Hamstring
3-5 weeks
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
All eyes will be on Papley at Sydney’s captain’s run in Perth as he aims to return against Fremantle on Thursday night, although McDonald will miss another week due to a quad issue. Campbell is set to play his first game this season after a long-term injury, with a return at VFL level the most likely. Jevan Phillipou continued his push for a senior debut with another three goals in the VFL last weekend, although Papley’s availability would make that less likely. Riley Bice and Malcolm Rosas both responded well to being dropped last week, while Billy Cootee impressed again, as they chase a senior recall. – Martin Smith
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Sam Allen
Knee/hamstring
6 weeks
Tyler Brockman
Hamstring
TBC
Malakai Champion
Hand
TBC
Cooper Duff-Tytler
Calf
2-4 weeks
Harry Edwards
Concussion
Season
Reuben Ginbey
Quad
6 weeks
Noah Long
Knee
Season
Jacob Newton
Foot
Season
Archer Reid
Knee
TBC
Deven Robertson
Knee
Season
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
Defender Josh Lindsay would be a handy inclusion this week with his sharp kicking after the Eagles were let down repeatedly by their fundamentals against Adelaide. Midfielder Elijah Hewett (25 disposals and eight tackles in the WAFL) and Ryan Maric (24 and seven inside 50s) responded well to being dropped, with Harvey Johnston (20 and three goals) also strong. SSP selection Finlay Macrae has not played at AFL level this season but continued his prolific form with 30 disposals, with the next seven weeks crucial for the Eagles to find out about several players at AFL level. Clay Hall (28 and nine inside 50s) moved from the wing to an inside role and impressed. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Connor Budarick
Ankle
TBC
Nick Coffield
Concussion
Concussion protocols
Sam Darcy
Knee
Season
Riley Garcia
Knee
Test
Bailey Williams
Hamstring
Test
Updated: July 7, 2026
In the mix
Luke Beveridge will be forced to make at least two changes ahead of Sunday’s game against West Coast. Coffield has entered concussion protocols, while Budarick may not return this year due to a high-grade syndesmosis injury against the Swans. The recruit will undergo surgery on Wednesday and faces up to eight weeks out. Jedd Busslinger could provide support down back. Rhylee West was a surprise omission for the trip to Sydney, but went back to Footscray and impressed with 24 disposals, eight tackles and eight clearances, while Caleb May and Lachie Smith are two options that could be considered to support Tim English in the ruck. – Josh Gabelich