Who’s struggling, who’s a test, check out the players from your list who are a little sore

Jake Stringer runs laps during a GWS training session at Giants HQ on September 2, 2025. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

Check out the injury updates for all the 2025 finalists.

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Josh Rachele
Knee
1 week

Izak Rankine
Suspension
3 matches

Oscar Ryan
Hamstring
1 week

Lachlan Sholl
Hamstring
Test

Updated: September 2, 2025

In the mix

Rachele has returned to main training and will be available from next week, with the Crows ruling him out of their qualifying final against Collingwood. The Crows will be boosted against the Magpies, however, with defender Max Michalanney set to return from a hamstring injury and potentially play forward, where he has been effective at times as a stopper. Luke Pedlar is also available after overcoming a hamstring injury, with changes otherwise expected to be minimal for the minor premiers. Forward Brayden Cook was outstanding in the SANFL, booting six goals in a one-point qualifying final loss to Glenelg. – Nathan Schmook 

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Noah Answerth
Achilles
Season

Keidean Coleman
Quad
Season

Tom Doedee
Wrist
Season

Eric Hipwood
Calf
1-2 weeks

Lincoln McCarthy
Knee
Season

Jack Payne
Knee
Season

Updated: September 2, 2025

In the mix

The Lions will be bolstered by the return of Lachie Neale (quad) and Jarrod Berry (shoulder) to face Geelong in Friday night’s qualifying final. Aside from who they leave out to accommodate the two regulars, the only other selection question remains over whether they stick with two-game forward Ty Gallop while Hipwood continues rehab from his injury. Gallop played in the final round against Hawthorn and should have done enough to keep his spot alongside Sam Day and Logan Morris. Oscar McInerney was excellent in the VFL at the weekend and would be on standby should there be any late hiccups with the talls. – Michael Whiting

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Harvey Harrison
Knee
Season

Jeremy Howe
Groin
1-2 weeks

Tew Jiath
Quad
Season

Reef McInnes
Knee
Season

Jakob Ryan
Foot
4 weeks

Iliro Smit
Foot
4-5 weeks

Lachie Sullivan
Knee
Season

Charlie West
Foot
1 week

Updated: September 2, 2025

In the mix

Beau McCreery has been cleared to play on Thursday night after injuring his foot in round 24. The pressure forward trained fully on Tuesday after passing a fitness test. Wil Parker is firming to replace Howe down back as part of a rejig against the Crows. Mason Cox is being considered to replace Dan McStay in attack. Both were emergencies against the Demons, along with Ed Allan. Bobby Hill didn’t train on Tuesday and was ruled out by Craig McRae at his press conference. – Josh Gabelich

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

James Aish
Concussion
TBC

Odin Jones
Back
Season

Aiden Riddle
Foot
Season

Sam Sturt
Knee
Season

Sam Switkowski
Knee
Test

Corey Wagner
Pec
Season

Updated: September 2, 2025

In the mix

Switkowski has used the pre-finals bye to rest after injuring his right knee, with the important small forward needing to pass a fitness test this week to feature in the elimination final against Gold Coast. There will be at least one change after utility Wagner suffered a pectoral injury in the final round of the season, with midfielder Matthew Johnson the most likely replacement after recovering from a hamstring injury and returning through the WAFL. Wingmen Nathan O’Driscoll and Jeremy Sharp are also options, while emergency Brandon Walker could also be considered, depending on the role the Dockers require when replacing the versatile Wagner. – Nathan Schmook 

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Toby Conway
Foot
TBC

Updated: September 2, 2025

In the mix

The Cats are perfectly placed to field their strongest side against the Lions on Friday night. Mark O’Connor, who missed round 24 through a leg injury, will be available for selection after completing a solid block of training. The Cats’ VFL team’s season is over, so there are no more chances at state-league level for players to impress. – Michael Rogers 

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Charlie Ballard
Knee
Season

Sam Clohesy
Ankle
1-3 weeks

Zak Evans
Thumb
Season

Will Graham
Shoulder
1-3 weeks

Elliott Himmelberg
Knee
Season

Max Knobel
Foot
Season

Updated: September 2, 2025

In the mix

With Graham still on the sidelines, there’s unlikely to be any changes to the 22 that beat Essendon in the final round for Saturday night’s elimination final against Fremantle in Perth. Gold Coast could consider Oscar Adams to come in and bolster the key defence against the Dockers’ potent tall forward line, but will likely stick with its current make-up. Jake Rogers was the sub against the Bombers, and with wet weather expected to impact the final, David Swallow could be considered for a fairytale inclusion, as could Nick Holman. – Michael Whiting

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Cody Angove
Back
Season

Jack Buckley
Calf
Test

Stephen Coniglio
Concussion
Test

Wade Derksen
Toe
Season

Jesse Hogan
Foot
Test

Josh Kelly
Calf
Test

Toby McMullin
Ankle
Season

Jack Ough
Shoulder
Season

Conor Stone
Foot
Season

Jake Stringer
Hamstring
Test

Nathan Wardius
Knee
Season

Updated: September 2, 2025

In the mix

The Giants are hopeful that Hogan (foot), Kelly (calf) and Stringer (hamstring) make it through Tuesday and Thursday’s main sessions in their bid to face the Hawks in Saturday’s elimination final. Coniglio (concussion) will exit protocols on Friday and should be available, but Buckley (calf) is behind his teammates and remains in a race against the clock. Brent Daniels is back fit and should be another inclusion, having racked up 29 disposals in his return through the VFL a fortnight ago following a season plagued by abdominal and adductor injuries. – Riley Beveridge

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Cody Anderson
Quad
Test

Will Day
Foot
Season

Finn Maginness
Kidney
Season

Harry Morrison
Quad
Test

Noah Mraz
Knee
1-2 weeks

Updated: September 2, 2025

In the mix

Josh Weddle is available for selection after playing the second half of Box Hill’s final against Southport on Saturday. The defender is expected to return against Greater Western Sydney after playing his first game since a stress fracture was discovered in his back after the round 16 trip to Launceston. Morrison is pushing to return from a quad issue that has sidelined him in recent weeks. Sam Butler starred for Box Hill with 34 disposals and 10 clearances, while Henry Hustwaite finished with 31 disposals, 10 clearances and a goals at Box Hill City Oval. – Josh Gabelich