Tim English watches from the bench during round four, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

Check out the injury updates from all 18 clubs.

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Callum Ah Chee
Hamstring
4-6 weeks

Jordon Butts
Concussion
Concussion protocols

Dan Curtin
Knee
4-6 weeks

Darcy Fogarty
Back
TBC

Mark Keane
Leg
6-8 weeks

Luke Pedlar
Concussion
Concussion protocols

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

Isaac Cumming will be available for Thursday night’s clash against Carlton after he was withdrawn late against Fremantle because of illness, with defender Rory Laird also available after overcoming a calf injury. Key forward Fogarty has been ruled out as the club works through a timeline for his recovery from a back issue. Billy Dowling (30 disposals and two goals in the SANFL) is stringing form together and should come into consideration alongside young midfielder Charlie Edwards (29 and nine clearances). Toby Murray and Mitch Hinge returned in the SANFL from respective back injuries, with Murray an option as a forward target and second ruck to support Lachie McAndrew. – Nathan Schmook

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Dan Annable
Shoulder
16-18 weeks

Noah Answerth
Concussion
Test

Darcy Gardiner
Shoulder
5-7 weeks

Eric Hipwood
Knee
Mid-season

Hugh McCluggage
Calf
Test

Ben Murphy
Chest
2 weeks

Jack Payne
Knee
TBC

Henry Smith
Foot
TBC

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

After missing the past three matches through suspension, Lions co-captain Harris Andrews will return to face North Melbourne on Saturday. The three-time All-Australian full-back could be joined by his fellow skipper McCluggage. Coach Chris Fagan has hinted multiple times in the past week he’ll be cautious with the star midfielder, but McCluggage will be given every chance to face the Kangaroos. Reliable defender Noah Answerth just has to get through the final days of his concussion protocols to resume his place in the 23, while Sam Marshall was again excellent in the VFL and continues to put his name forward. – Michael Whiting

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Harry Dean
Concussion
1 week

Matt Duffy
Concussion
1 week

Cooper Lord
Illness
1 week

Jesse Motlop
Knee
Season

Harry O’Farrell
Knee
TBC

Liam Reidy
Suspension
Round 6

Jacob Weitering
Concussion
1 week

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

The Blues will lose Weitering for Thursday night’s Gather Round opener against the Crows. It’ll put Nick Haynes (nine disposals, three marks) in contention for a recall after spending the last few weeks in the VFL following an off-season ankle issue. Zac Williams (rib) is also available again and should return. Adam Saad (23 disposals, five tackles) and Billy Wilson (22 disposals, one goal) could add some drive off half back, having impressed at VFL level. Flynn Young (21 disposals, three goals) has also been a standout in the VFL and could return. Dean and Lord will miss another week. – Riley Beveridge

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Nick Daicos
Calf
Test

Harry DeMattia
Back
TBC

Bobby Hill
Personal reasons
TBC

Darcy Moore
Hamstring
3-4 weeks

Scott Pendlebury
Achilles
Test

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

Daicos returned to training on Monday but will need to prove his fitness on Wednesday after being a late withdrawal ahead of Easter Thursday. Pendlebury will also need to pass a fitness test after missing the trip to Brisbane with Achilles tightness. Angus Anderson put his hand up for a debut with 30 disposals, 12 clearances and eight tackles on Good Friday in the VFL, while Sam Swadling was also busy with 28 touches. Jack Buller kicked four goals against Coburg and Charlie West slotted three. – Josh Gabelich

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Cillian Bourke
Quad
1-2 weeks

Angus Clarke
Foot
TBC

Brayden Fiorini
Back
TBC

Kayle Gerreyn
Suspension
Round 6

Lewis Hayes
Knee
6 weeks

Harrison Jones
Calf
TBC

Nic Martin
Knee
Season

Mason Redman
Knee
4-6 weeks

Vigo Visentini
Hamstring
4-6 weeks

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

The Bombers are set for a double boost ahead of their Gather Round clash against Melbourne, with Nate Caddy set to return from concussion and Jordan Ridley likely to come back after two VFL games. Zach Reid has also been cleared of a hamstring injury, while Dyson Sharp is another option for a return. No.9 draft pick Sullivan Robey (11 disposals, three tackles in the VFL) could make his debut. Ruck Nick Bryan (10 disposals and 27 hitouts) made his return and may need another game at the lower level, but there is no VFL action this weekend. Elijah Tsatas (35 disposals and nine clearances) had another prolific game at VFL level. An AFL emergency last week, Gerreyn is sidelined due to a suspension in the VFL, while Will Setterfield is ready for a return from a foot injury. There were two fresh injuries in the VFL with Clarke and Jones hurt. – Dejan Kalinic

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Michael Frederick
Ankle
1 week

Oscar McDonald
Calf
Test

Sam Sturt
Knee
TBC

Hayden Young
Hamstring
1 week

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

Mason Cox was dominant at WAFL level with 24 disposals, 45 hitouts and a goal, but the Dockers appear unlikely to make a change in the ruck, with Sean Darcy pulling up well on managed minutes as the No.2 ruckman. Jeremy Sharp (28 and eight inside 50s) is the other in-form player at WAFL level, but he is playing as an inside midfielder and unlikely to break into the AFL 23 in that role. Brandon Walker returned from injury and is an option after previously strong form. Versatile Bailey Banfield has been on the cusp of selection if change is needed at either end of the ground. – Nathan Schmook   

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Harley Barker
Knee
Indefinite

Jed Bews
Concussion
Concussion protocols

Toby Conway
Foot/Knee
TBC

Patrick Dangerfield
Calf
Test

Keighton Matofai-Forbes
Foot
8 weeks

Jacob Molier
Foot
1-2 weeks

Jay Polkinghorne
Foot
6-8 weeks

Tyson Stengle
Conditioning
Individualised program

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

Dangerfield is keen to return for the Gather Round clash with West Coast but the Cats may yet play it safe with their skipper, given his interrupted start to the season. Veteran defender Bews is working through concussion protocols after a knock in the VFL, while Stengle continues to build fitness. James Worpel was solid in the Cats’ 46-point VFL over Werribee with 24 disposals and seven clearances, while Jhye Clark collected 19 touches and six tackles in his return to state-league level. – Michael Rogers

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Beau Addinsall
Hamstring
4-6 weeks

Cooper Bell
Concussion
Test

Elliott Himmelberg
Knee
6-plus weeks

Nick Holman
Hamstring
1-3 weeks

Bailey Humphrey
Suspension
Round 6

Jai Murray
Leg
1-3 weeks

Christian Petracca
Hamstring
Test

Jake Rogers
Concussion
Test

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
Knee
1-3 weeks

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

Petracca is a chance of returning earlier than expected for Saturday’s match against Sydney. The dynamic midfielder is less than three weeks in his recovery and trained away from the main group on Tuesday, but will be given every chance to join his teammates for Gather Round. Damien Hardwick will need to make at least one change to face the Swans with Rogers’ absence. If Petracca fails to get up, Alex Davies is a chance to reclaim his spot in a midfield that was soundly beaten at the weekend. Although the VFL team was hammered by Southport, Ben Jepson and No.5 draft pick Dylan Patterson showed glimpses of form that could attract the attention of the coach, although the wing and half-back positions they play seem to be taken at the moment. – Michael Whiting

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Cody Angove
Hamstring
TBC

Toby Bedford
Hamstring
Test

Aaron Cadman
Pelvis
Test

Brent Daniels
Hamstring
Test

Tom Green
Knee
Season

Darcy Jones
Knee
TBC

Josh Kelly
Hip
TBC

Logan Smith
Knee
2-3 weeks

Sam Taylor
Hamstring
TBC

Nathan Wardius
Knee
TBC

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

Bedford, Cadman, and Daniels are all in the frame to make their first AFL appearances of the season against the Tigers, pending their fitness following this week’s training sessions. Adam Kingsley’s side is also set to regain Jack Buckley, with the key defender successfully clearing the AFL Concussion Guidelines last Saturday. – Emily Patterson

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Karl Amon
Knee
Test

James Blanck
Groin
1 week

Will Day
Shoulder
6-7 weeks

Cam Mackenzie
Knee
Test

Noah Mraz
Ankle
TBC

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

Amon and Mackenzie will need to prove their fitness on Thursday ahead of the trip to Gather Round after missing Easter Monday due to knee injuries. Flynn Perez and Jack Dalton came in for the pair. James Sicily and Jack Gunston didn’t require scans on Tuesday after injury scares against Geelong and are both expected to face the Western Bulldogs. – Josh Gabelich

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Jake Bowey
Foot
4-5 weeks

Tom Campbell
Neck
TBC

Paddy Cross
Thumb
3-4 weeks

Bayley Fritsch
Foot
Test

Changkuoth Jiath
Calf
2-3 weeks

Shane McAdam
Achilles
2-3 weeks

Jack Viney
Achilles
TBC

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

Fritsch was a late withdrawal ahead of the match against Gold Coast with foot soreness but he is a chance to play in this week’s clash with Essendon. Bailey Laurie took his place in the side and would be the likely casualty if Fritsch returns. The Demons sit at 3-1 following a strong win over the Suns so unforced changes are unlikely, however, there’s plenty of competition from the lower levels. Key forwards Aidan Johnson, Luker Kentfield and Matthew Jefferson combined for 11 goals on the weekend, while young ruck Max Heath (42 hitouts, 20 disposals, six marks) is also pressing his case if a second ruck is considered. Father-son product Kalani White has overcome the glandular fever that struck him down in January and is available for selection, although there is no VFL game this weekend due to Gather Round. – Alison O’Connor

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Jackson Archer
Knee
Season

Josh Goater
Quad
1 week

Riley Hardeman
Ankle 
1-2 weeks

Griffin Logue
Hamstring
Test

Finn O’Sullivan
Jaw
TBC

Toby Pink
Knee
Test

Blake Thredgold
Foot
TBC

Luke Urquhart
Knee
TBC

Tristan Xerri
Suspension
Round 7

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

The Kangas look set to lose O’Sullivan for Saturday’s clash with the Lions, after he underwent surgery to repair a fractured jaw earlier this week. Pink could also miss, but Logue is a chance to return and ease the side’s key defensive issues. Wil Dawson (13 disposals, 13 hitouts) was an emergency last week and could fill a potential ruck opening after impressing at VFL level, while Taylor Goad (nine disposals, 12 hitouts) made his return from an ankle injury through the reserves. Lachy Dovaston was managed and could come back in, while Charlie Spargo (17 disposals, two goals) and Jacob Konstanty (19 disposals, two goals) are both pressing for senior selection. Zac Fisher (28 disposals, one goal) was also among the best in the VFL over the weekend. – Riley Beveridge

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Mani Liddy
Groin
6-8 weeks

Ollie Lord
Knee
Season

Todd Marshall
Ankle
Test

Jacob Moss
Concussion
TBC

Sam Powell-Pepper
Knee
6-8 weeks

Harrison Ramm
Ankle
3-4 weeks

Esava Ratugolea
Knee
6-8 weeks

Connor Rozee
Hamstring
12-14 weeks

Josh Sinn
Shoulder
5 months

Ivan Soldo
Knee
Season

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

There won’t be any forced changes for Port Adelaide’s home game against St Kilda to close Gather Round, with a clean bill of health from the win over Richmond. Todd Marshall just has to get through training later in the week to prove he has recovered from a sprained ankle and should be included. Brandon Zerk-Thatcher excelled in the SANFL to again remind Josh Carr he was ready to be recalled should Port want some extra height in defence, while Jackson Mead and Will Lorenz are also around the mark. – Michael Whiting

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Jasper Alger
Knee
7 weeks

Harry Armstrong
Foot
7 weeks

Noah Balta
Hamstring tightness
Test

Judson Clarke
ACL
TBC

Josh Gibcus
Soreness
Test

Taj Hotton
Hip
TBC

Tom Lynch
Hamstring
2-3 weeks

Rhyan Mansell
Foot
TBC

Toby Nankervis
Hamstring
4-6 weeks

Hugo Ralphsmith
Knee
Test

Samson Ryan
Suspension
Round 6

Tom Sims
Elbow/Foot
TBC

Josh Smillie
Quad
4-6 weeks

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

Ryan will miss after a brain-fade gut-punch, opening the door for either potential debutant Ollie Hayes-Brown (19 hitouts, 10 clearances, 23 touches), or a combined restructured ruck division of Campbell Gray and Mykelti Lefau. Balta and Ralphsmith are set to be available for selection, while Gibcus may return via the VFL next weekend (bye this week). SSP signing Tom Burton played his best VFL game to date on Sunday, with three goals from 15 touches, while Sam Cumming (shoulder) got through unscathed in heavily managed minutes, and is set for more VFL time. – Sarah Black

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Charlie Banfield
Shoulder
TBC

Ryan Byrnes
Foot
2-3 weeks

Anthony Caminiti
Hamstring
2-3 weeks

Hunter Clark
Adductor
Test

Paddy Dow
Knee
Test

Liam Henry
Hamstring
Test

Max King
Knee
TBC

Jack Macrae
Knee
1 week

Cooper Sharman
Concussion
Test

Liam Stocker
Concussion
Concussion protocols

Tobie Travaglia
Foot
TBC

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

Collard was handed a three-game suspension by the VFL tribunal last week and is still being investigated by the AFL’s integrity unit for an alleged homophobic slur. Stocker has entered concussion protocols. Sharman, Henry and Dow are all on track to be available for selection. – Josh Gabelich

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Taylor Adams
Hamstring
5-7 weeks

Riak Andrew
Quad
TBC

Braeden Campbell
Shin
TBC

Noah Chamberlain
Concussion
Test

Will Green
Foot
9-11 weeks

Errol Gulden
Shoulder
3-4 months

Max King
Back
4 months

Malcolm Rosas Jnr
Calf
Test

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

Rosas Jnr was a last-minute withdrawal against West Coast due to a tight calf, but after looking sharp during training on Tuesday, he remains a test for this weekend’s clash with Gold Coast. His potential absence could open the door for Billy Cootee, who impressed in the VFL with 20 disposals, or Jesse Dattoli, who starred with 16 disposals and two goals. Chamberlain continues to progress through the AFL Concussion Guidelines following a head injury suffered during the bye weekend. He is set to undergo a fitness test to determine his availability, with Caiden Cleary (22 disposals, six tackles) and Ned Bowman (14 disposals) both vying for senior selection after strong VFL showings. – Emily Patterson

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Sam Allen
Knee
8 weeks

Tyler Brockman
Knee
TBC

Harry Edwards
Concussion
TBC

Jack Hutchinson
Ankle
1 week

Noah Long
Knee
Season

Milan Murdock
Hamstring
1 week

Jacob Newton
Foot
Season

Fred Rodriguez
Foot
2 weeks

Brandon Starcevich
Calf
5-7 weeks

Elliot Yeo
Adductor
Test

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

Tough onballer Deven Robertson will return this week after serving a one-game suspension, with more midfield reinforcements possible as Yeo pushes to play after an adductor injury. Midfielder Elijah Hewett was an emergency against Sydney and played in the WAFL, getting through unscathed with 14 disposals. Big man Bailey Williams (34 hitouts and two goals in the WAFL) could be called on if a change is needed in the ruck. Wingman Tyrell Dewar and midfielder Clay Hall were prominent ball-winners in the WAFL. On the injury front, Murdock is targeting the round six Derby to return. Newton has been ruled out for the season after requiring navicular surgery. – Nathan Schmook   

PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN

Tim English
Knee
TBC

Riley Garcia
Hamstring
TBC

Arty Jones
Hamstring
2-4 weeks

Tom Liberatore
Hamstring
2-3 weeks

Ed Richards
Knee
TBC

Laitham Vandermeer
Concussion
Test

Zac Walker
Ankle
3-5 weeks

Cody Weightman
Knee
TBC

Updated: April 7, 2026

In the mix

English and Richards are both set to miss at Gather Round and likely longer due to knee injuries. Jones will be sidelined for up to a month due to a hamstring strain. Liberatore is still sidelined, while Adam Treloar was a late withdrawal from the VFL due to a general soreness. Louis Emmett has been in the hunt for a debut before the weekend and is in line to replace English, while Lachie Smith is another option for Luke Beveridge after a decent apprenticeship at Footscray. – Josh Gabelich