A Brownlow Medalist has been ruled out for the home and away season, while a key Fremantle playmaker looks destined for another stint on the sidelines.
Here’s all the latest injury news from across the AFL…
Brisbane star ruled out for home and away season
Dual Brownlow Medalist Lachie Neale has been ruled out until finals due to a quad injury.
Scans revealed Neale’s quad tear after he experienced soreness in the Lions’ statement win over Collingwood.
Fellow Lions Ryan Lester and James Tunstill have both entered concussion protocols and will therefore miss this weekend.
Adelaide defender available after puncture lunge
Adelaide could welcome back Jordon Butts to the senior side after being cleared to play following a punctured lung.
Butts will need to get through the week’s training loads to be available for the West Coast clash.
Jordon Butts during the AFL match between Essendon and Adelaide, Round 4, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media
“Good news this week with Jordon Butts, he’s been cleared to resume full contact training,” Adelaide General Manager High Performance Darren Burgess said.
“Assuming he gets through everything this week, he’ll be available for selection this weekend.”
Fellow defender Max Michalanney is progressing through his hamstring rehabilitation in a bid to be cherry ripe for finals.
“Max is doing a lot of running and a lot of strength work through that hamstring,” Burgess said.
“We’re anticipating he’ll be around 3-4 weeks away from resuming playing.”
Suns youngster suffers latest setback
Gold Coast will be without impressive youngster Will Graham for the short term after he hurt his hamstring in the VFL over the weekend.
Will Graham of the Gold Coast Suns in 2024 (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos)
Graham had missed the majority of the season with a serious shoulder injury, and will now be sidelined for longer.
“Scans have confirmed a low-grade hamstring strain, which will see him unavailable for selection in the short term,” GC SUNS Head Physiotherapist Lindsay Bull said.
Winger Sam Clohesy is nearing a return to football after missing time with an ankle injury, while utility Zak Evans has been ruled out of 2025 with a broken thumb.
Dockers star in doubt for 2025
Fremantle could be without Hayden Young for the remainder of the year after the club confirmed he strained his adductor in the win over Carlton.
Hayden Young during the 2022 AFL Round 19 match between Richmond and Fremantle (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)
Young has faced an interrupted 2025 campaign with multiple setbacks in his hamstring, with the latest putting his season in jeopardy.
The Dockers will provide a timeline for Young’s return to play in the coming days, as he completes the initial phase of recovery.
Carlton cop second ACL injury
Scans have confirmed that Carlton defender Harry O’Farrell has suffered an ACL injury in the loss against Fremantle.
O’Farrell was drafted by the Blues last year, and joins fellow youngster Jagga Smith as ACL victims from the 2024 intake.
FREMANTLE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 03: Harry O’Farrell of the Blues kicks the ball during the 2025 AFL Round 21 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Carlton Blues at Optus Stadium on August 3, 2025 in Fremantle, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
“Yesterday Harry experienced the fantastic highs and the devastating lows of our game in the space of only a few minutes – we are all feeling for him today,” Blues General Manager of Football Brad Lloyd said.
“To step onto the big stage with confidence and a maturity beyond his years, he has all the qualities to be a quality player for our football club for a long time to come.
“Harry really impressed everyone as soon as he walked through the doors at IKON Park, he has an outstanding drive to get the absolute best out of himself.
“He will go into surgery, with the Club to provide him with all the support he needs through his rehabilitation.”