Aaron Naughton leaves the field on a stretcher during the R7 match between the Western Bulldogs and Sydney at Marvel Stadium on April 23, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos
Check out the injury updates from all 18 clubs.
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Callum Ah Chee
Hamstring
1 week
Darcy Fogarty
Back
Test
Mitch Hinge
Hamstring
2-3 weeks
Mark Keane
Leg
3-6 weeks
Alex Neal-Bullen
Knee
Test
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
The Crows need a midfield spark and Jake Soligo and Dan Curtin could be the duo to provide it. Soligo was terrific in the SANFL, racking up 38 disposals, seven clearances and kicking two goals. Curtin, meanwhile, played his first game for the year after overcoming a dislocated kneecap, completing four quarters onball and building confidence with 18 disposals and six marks. Neal-Bullen is likely to return from a minor knee injury after missing one match, while Fogarty completed a full training session over the weekend and will re-join the main group this week. Wingmen Chayce Jones and Billy Dowling and key defender James Borlase were other strong contributors in the SANFL. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Oscar Allen
Foot
12-14 weeks
Dan Annable
Shoulder
13-15 weeks
Noah Answerth
Concussion
TBC
Jarrod Berry
Calf
2-3 weeks
Darcy Gardiner
Shoulder
3-4 weeks
Eric Hipwood
Knee
Mid-season
Ben Murphy
Hamstring
TBC
Jack Payne
Knee
TBC
Henry Smith
Foot
TBC
Dayne Zorko
Calf
Test
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
More rough injury news for the Lions with confirmation Allen would require surgery and miss a lengthy chunk of the season. With Ty Gallop settled in defence, Zane Zakostelsky is an option to play as key forward alongside Logan Morris and Darcy Fort. Gallop could be swung forward though, with Darragh Joyce a potential defensive replacement. Zorko is likely to return to face Essendon on Saturday, at the expense of either Jimmy Tunstill or Conor McKenna, who were both very good against Adelaide. Answerth has progressed well, but the Lions will be extra cautious with the lockdown defender who has suffered two concussions in the past month. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Ben Camporeale
Concussion
Test
Lucas Camporeale
Kidney
TBC
Harry McKay
Concussion
Test
Rob Monahan
Shoulder
TBC
Jesse Motlop
Knee
Season
Harry O’Farrell
Knee
TBC
Marc Pittonet
Hand
Test
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
The Blues are hopeful McKay (concussion) and Pittonet (hand) will be fit for Saturday night’s clash against the Saints, while Ollie Hollands (managed) could also return. George Hewett (40 disposals, 11 clearances) was again among the best at VFL level as the side continues to assess its midfield mix, while Billy Wilson (41 disposals, eight intercepts) was a shining light and could add some dash from half-back. Lachie Fogarty (24 disposals, two goals) continues to stake his claim, while Jack Ison (nine disposals, four goals) is a watch for a potential AFL debut in the coming weeks. – Riley Beveridge
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Harry DeMattia
Back
1 week
Reef McInnes
Knee
Season
Tim Membrey
Hamstring
4 weeks
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
Collingwood confirmed on Tuesday that Scott Pendlebury will be managed this Thursday night on a five-day break. Ned Long will return after being managed on Anzac Day. Darcy Moore will also face the Hawks after recovering from a hamstring strain and will play his second game of 2026. Membrey strained his hamstring against the Bombers and will miss the next month, opening the door for Jack Buller or Charlie West to get another shot in the senior team. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Angus Clarke
Foot
5 weeks
Brayden Fiorini
Back
TBC
Lewis Hayes
Knee
4 weeks
Harrison Jones
Calf
2 weeks
Isaac Kako
Back
TBC
Nic Martin
Knee
Season
Archer May
MCL
Test
Jordan Ridley
Calf
3 weeks
Vigo Visentini
Hamstring
1 week
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
Kako has been sidelined for an extended period with a back injury, which could mean a recall for Jade Gresham after he was a carryover emergency last week. May has avoided a serious injury but will still need to pass a fitness test on his knee later in the week, while Mason Redman has recovered from a knee issue and will return in the VFL. Nik Cox continues to push for his first senior game since late 2024 and did his chances no harm with 18 disposals, seven marks and a goal in the VFL on the weekend, while Archie Perkins and Zak Johnson (23 disposals each) also impressed. Hussien El Achkar could be considered for a recall after kicking 4.3 in the twos. – Martin Smith
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Sean Darcy
Calf
3-5 weeks
Jaeger O’Meara
Face
3 weeks
Sam Sturt
Knee
TBC
Brandon Walker
Concussion
1 week
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
Pat Voss has overcome illness and trained with the main group on Tuesday, putting his hand up to return before the Dockers fly east on Wednesday. The Dockers are otherwise incredibly settled and not keen to manage players through three consecutive six-day breaks. Small forward Chris Scerri was among Peel Thunder’s best players in the WAFL and is on the cusp of selection. Walker suffered concussion in the WAFL and is unavailable, making Cooper Simpson the most likely option if change is made in defence, with key defender Hugh Davies also performing well at the lower level. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Harley Barker
Knee
Indefinite
Mark Blicavs
Knee
TBC
Toby Conway
Foot/Knee
TBC
Keighton Matofai-Forbes
Foot
5 weeks
Gryan Miers
Knee
1-3 weeks
Jay Polkinghorne
Foot
4-6 weeks
Tyson Stengle
Conditioning
Individualised program
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
Blicavs has been ruled out of the clash with North Melbourne on Saturday after scans on his left knee but the club is hopeful his absence will be short-term. Miers could be back as soon as round nine as he also manages a knee problem and increased his training load this week. Sam De Koning is an obvious inclusion for Blicavs as Geelong reshuffles its tall stocks, while Jake Kolodjashnij was also managed against the Power and could return. The VFL Cats had a bye last week but midfielders Mitch Knevitt, George Stevens and Jhye Clark were all strong contributors in their most recent state-league outing. – Michael Rogers
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jy Farrar
Ankle
6+ weeks
Elliott Himmelberg
Knee
4-6 weeks
Avery Thomas
Shoulder
Test
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
Some big decisions for Damien Hardwick after a third loss in four starts last weekend. Alex Davies racked up 31 disposals in the VFL and could add a different element to a midfield that isn’t firing at the moment, despite its star-studded personnel. Sam Clohesy (26 and two goals) should be a strong chance to return on a wing, while Joel Jeffery also responded well to being omitted, with Charlie Ballard also remaining in the frame. Draftees Jai Murray and Beau Addinsall continued to impress. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Cody Angove
Hamstring
3-4 weeks
Tom Green
Knee
Season
Darcy Jones
Knee
TBC
Josh Kelly
Hip
TBC
Logan Smith
Knee
3-4 weeks
Sam Taylor
Hamstring
3-4 weeks
Nathan Wardius
Knee
TBC
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
Smith is ramping up to three sessions a week as he eyes a return in three to four weeks, while Angove and Taylor are on a similar trajectory. Angove is now into his second week of modified training, with Taylor set to join him later this week. Joe Fonti is back in the selection frame after sitting out with a one-week suspension, joining several axed Giants who sent a clear message through the VFL. Callum Brown (four goals, 23 disposals) and Max Gruzewski (four goals, eight marks) spearheaded the attack, while Jake Riccardi impressed with 21 touches and two majors. In the ruck, Kieren Briggs dominated with 32 hitouts and 26 disposals, proving far too good for the reserve level. – Emily Patterson
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
James Blanck
Concussion
1 week
Mabior Chol
Hamstring
2-3 weeks
Will Day
Shoulder
3-4 weeks
Matt LeRay
Concussion
1 week
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
Sam Mitchell is set for some changes with James Sicily and Dylan Moore available again after serving one-game suspensions for striking. Flynn Perez was managed with a slight injury issue, but is available again, as is Sam Butler. Day is closing in on a return in the VFL and could be only a few weeks away after recovering from a shoulder reconstruction. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Tom Campbell
Neck
TBC
Jai Culley
Knee
Season
Aidan Johnson
Hip/groin
Test
Xavier Lindsay
Hip/groin
1-2 weeks
Shane McAdam
Achilles
TBC
Jake Melksham
Ankle
2-3 weeks
Harrison Petty
Concussion protocols
Test
Trent Rivers
Knee
1-2 weeks
Christian Salem
Foot
2-3 weeks
Jack Viney
Achilles
TBC
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
Petty could return this week to face Sydney after suddenly became unsteady on his feet in the Demons’ clash with Brisbane in round six. He underwent extensive testing and consulted with specialists to look at the brain and heart, with the end diagnosis being a vestibular migraine and not concussion related. Unfortunately, Culley’s season is over after rupturing his ACL on Anzac Day Eve. Young guns Lindsay (hip/groin) and Rivers (knee) remain a couple of weeks away from a return as they continue to manage their injury issues. In better news, defender Jake Bowey got through managed minutes in the Demons’ VFL hitout on the weekend as he returns from the foot injury he suffered in December. – Alison O’Connor
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jackson Archer
Knee
Season
Charlie Comben
Illness
Test
Zac Fisher
Hamstring
3-4 weeks
Robert Hansen jnr
Groin
1 week
River Stevens
Knee
6-8 weeks
Blake Thredgold
Foot
TBC
Luke Urquhart
Knee
1-2 weeks
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
There are no guarantees Comben (illness) plays in Saturday evening’s clash against the Cats, as he continues to recover. Fisher (hamstring) and Stevens (knee) are both set for stints on the sidelines after injuries sustained in the reserves. Zac Banch (18 disposals, two goals) was among the best at VFL level, while Cooper Harvey (36 disposals, six marks) also impressed. – Riley Beveridge
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Tom Anastasopoulos
Concussion
TBC
Tom Cochrane
Hamstring
Test
Mani Liddy
Groin
2-3 weeks
Ollie Lord
Knee
Season
Jack Lukosius
Groin
4-6 weeks
Sam Powell-Pepper
Knee
5-7 weeks
Harrison Ramm
Ankle
1 week
Esava Ratugolea
Knee
1-2 weeks
Connor Rozee
Hamstring
9-11 weeks
Josh Sinn
Shoulder
12-14 weeks
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
Josh Carr would be reluctant to make changes for Friday night’s Showdown against Adelaide following an inspired win over Geelong and near-miss against Hawthorn in the past fortnight, although Todd Marshall is back in the selection mix after recovering from illness. Defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher has continued an excellent run at SANFL level and is ready to step up when called upon, while Will Lorenz (40 disposals), Jackson Mead and Jack Watkins were all prolific at the lower level. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jasper Alger
Knee
4 weeks
Harry Armstrong
Foot
4-5 weeks
Sam Banks
Collarbone
5-6 weeks
Judson Clarke
ACL
TBC
Josh Gibcus
ACL strain
TBC
Taj Hotton
Hip
TBC
Rhyan Mansell
Foot
TBC
Toby Nankervis
Hamstring
2-4 weeks
Zane Peucker
Ankle
6 weeks
Hugo Ralphsmith
MCL
5-7 weeks
Maurice Rioli
Hamstring
3-4 weeks
Tom Sims
Elbow/Foot
TBC
Josh Smillie
Quad
TBC
Kaleb Smith
Groin
3 weeks
Tim Taranto
Concussion
Test
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
Somehow, the injury list has ballooned again, now out to 15. Gibcus has suffered an ACL strain in his “good” knee, with the club saying it was a similar injury to AFLW clubmate Gab Seymour, who avoided surgery. Smillie had been sitting at 4-6 weeks, but is back out to TBC after suffering a small re-tear to the quad injured in February. Taranto should be available to face West Coast if he gets through his final training session, while Jayden Short will come back into the mix after paternity leave, with late inclusion James Trezise likely to make way. Ralphsmith will miss a stint after suffering a MCL injury during a tackle in the dying minutes of the loss to Melbourne. With just six AFL-listed players in the VFL, Luke Trainor (28 disposals, 11 marks and a goal) was a class above, while Tyler Sonsie (31 and four clearances) will likely fill Ralphsmith’s role. – Sarah Black
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Eamonn Armstrong
Concussion
Concussion protocols
Charlie Banfield
Shoulder
Test
Hunter Clark
Knee
TBC
Lance Collard
Suspension
Round 13
Angus Hastie
Concussion
Concussion protocols
Isaac Keeler
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Liam Ryan
Hip cork
TBC
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
Ryan spent Sunday night in hospital after suffering a significant corked hip against West Coast and is in doubt for this weekend after another big hit early in his time at the Saints. Clark will also need to prove his fitness later in the week after copping a knock to his knee in the win on Sunday. Banfield is a chance to be available again after rehabbing his dislocated shoulder. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Taylor Adams
Hamstring
TBC
Riak Andrew
Quad
TBC
Braeden Campbell
Leg
TBC
Will Green
Foot
8 weeks
Errol Gulden
Shoulder
3 months
Isaac Heeney
Calf
Test
Liam Hetherton
Back
6 months
Max King
Back
4 months
Tom McCartin
Knee
2-3 weeks
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
Heeney is set to return this weekend after overcoming calf soreness, but the news is less positive for McCartin, who faces two to three weeks on the sidelines with a knee ligament sprain. Meanwhile, Hetherton is braced for an extended six-month rehab program after being diagnosed with a lumbar stress fracture. Despite Brodie Grundy firing in the seniors, Peter Ladhams has forced his way into selection contention with 40 disposals, 19 clearances and 47 hitouts in the VFL. Omitted duo Corey Warner (28 touches, one goal) and Joel Hamling (21 disposals, nine marks, two goals) also impressed, alongside Caiden Cleary (37 disposals) and Hayden McLean (five goals) in a dominant day for the reserves.. – Emily Patterson
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Sam Allen
Knee
5 weeks
Tyler Brockman
Knee
TBC
Harry Edwards
Concussion
Test
Jack Graham
Shoulder
9-11 weeks
Noah Long
Knee
Season
Jacob Newton
Foot
Season
Archer Reid
Knee
TBC
Deven Robertson
Knee
Season
Brandon Starcevich
Calf
3-4 weeks
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
Edwards is expected to be made available for WAFL selection if he completes training this week, with the important key defender completing two full training sessions since clearing concussion protocols. Young midfielder Tom Gross is pushing for an AFL recall after an impressive WAFL performance with 21 disposals and three goals, with experienced small forward Matt Owies booting five goals. Premiership forward Jamie Cripps worked hard after being dropped to the lower level, while defender Rhett Bazzo (10 marks) and hardened midfielder Fin Macrae (25 disposals) are also putting their hands up. Premiership defender Tom Cole and former Adelaide midfielder Harry Schoenberg are others on the fringe of selection. On the injury front, a timeline for Archer Reid’s recovery will be worked through this week, with Graham starting his rehabilitation after shoulder surgery last week. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Connor Budarick
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Sam Darcy
Knee
Season
Tim English
Knee
Test
Riley Garcia
Hamstring
2-4 weeks
Arty Jones
Hamstring
Test
Tom Liberatore
Concussion
Concussion protocols
Rory Lobb
Hamstring
2-4 weeks
Aaron Naughton
Neck
Test
James O’Donnell
Hamstring
3-4 weeks
Cody Weightman
Knee
4-6 weeks
Updated: April 28, 2026
In the mix
Luke Beveridge could be about to get some injury luck with Naughton remarkably a chance to play against Fremantle on Friday night, despite the scary fall in round seven. English and Jones will also need to prove their fitness on Wednesday before being cleared to return. Liberatore is yet to exit concussion protocols and will need to be ticked off medically on Wednesday before being considered. – Josh Gabelich