Oscar Steene during the round 10 match between Sydney and Collingwood at the SCG, May 15, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos
Check out the injury updates from all 18 clubs.
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Isaac Cumming
Hamstring
Test
Sid Draper
Jaw
TBC
Mark Keane
Leg
1-2 weeks
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
The Crows need to make a decision on their tall forwards after the smaller structure worked well against North Melbourne, with Riley Thilthorpe available this week after being managed with back soreness. Veteran Taylor Walker is also pushing to return from a hamstring injury and conceded this week that he could be overlooked at selection with Toby Murray performing well. Callum Ah Chee is available after overcoming hamstring issues and would be a timely replacement for Cumming, but time in the SANFL to build continuity would also benefit the dual premiership Lion. Mitch Hinge is available after recovering from a hamstring injury. Young midfielder Sid Draper will meet an oral surgeon this week after undergoing surgery for a broken jaw, with a timeline for his return to be determined. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Oscar Allen
Foot
8-10 weeks
Dan Annable
Shoulder
10-12 weeks
Noah Answerth
Concussion
1 week
Jarrod Berry
Calf
Test
Ty Gallop
Hamstring
Test
Eric Hipwood
Knee
3 weeks
Lincoln McCarthy
Hamstring
3 weeks
Jack Payne
Knee
TBC
Henry Smith
Foot
5-6 weeks
Reece Torrent
Ankle
6-8 weeks
Dayne Zorko
Soreness
Test
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
The cavalry could be back for the Lions as they face Greater Western Sydney on Sunday. Zorko should return, while Gallop is likely to join him. Berry is still a little iffy, but listed as a test and whether it’s two or three inclusions, Brisbane looks stronger with those faces back. Zorko’s return would likely come at the expense of Jimmy Tunstill, with Cody Curtin to make way for Gallop and either Sam Marshall or Conor McKenna on the fringe with any further changes. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Lucas Camporeale
Kidney
TBC
Ollie Hollands
Ankle
3-4 weeks
Cooper Lord
Concussion
1-2 weeks
Rob Monahan
Shoulder
Season
Jesse Motlop
Knee
Season
Harry O’Farrell
Knee
TBC
Adam Saad
Hamstring
Test
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
The Blues will be without Ollie Hollands for much of the next month, though Saad could replace him for Saturday night’s clash against the Power if he makes it through a fitness test later this week. Blake Acres (34 disposals, one goal) could also come back into contention on the wing after a strong recent run in the VFL, while Flynn Young was the carryover emergency at AFL level last week. Forward pair Ashton Moir (12 disposals, four goals) and Talor Byrne (13 disposals, three goals) were also among the best in the VFL, while father-son Ben Camporeale (31 disposals, six clearances) was solid and should get an opportunity at some point in the back half of the season. – Riley Beveridge
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Joel Cochran
AC joint
2-4 weeks
Pat Lipinski
Concussion
Test
Reef McInnes
Knee
Season
Tim Membrey
Hamstring
Test
Darcy Moore
Concussion
Test
Harry Perryman
Hamstring
2-3 weeks
Oscar Steene
Knee
Season
Lachie Sullivan
Concussion
Test
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
Darcy Cameron trained fully on Tuesday and has been cleared to return against West Coast on Saturday in a significant boost for the Magpies after Steene tore his ACL against Sydney last Friday night. Lipinski and Moore are still yet to clear concussion protocols, while Membrey will also need to prove his fitness on Thursday before being cleared to return against the Eagles. Sam Swadling impressed again in the VFL with 39 touches to keep his hand up for a debut. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Angus Clarke
Foot
2 weeks
Saad El-Hawli
Collarbone
1 week
Brayden Fiorini
Back
TBC
Lewis Hayes
Knee
1 week
Zak Johnson
Foot
TBC
Isaac Kako
Back
5 weeks
Nic Martin
Knee
Season
Liam McMahon
Ankle
3-5 weeks
Jordan Ridley
Calf
1 week
Dyson Sharp
Shoulder
4-5 weeks
Rhys Unwin
Hamstring
4-6 weeks
Peter Wright
Knee
TBC
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
The Bombers have been dealt another injury blow with Wright sidelined ahead of the Dreamtime at the ‘G clash against Richmond. Essendon had a bye in the VFL, but desperately need to add some ground-level options up forward, with Jade Gresham and Hussien El Achkar having pushed their case at state league level. Elijah Tsatas and Harrison Jones were also good in the VFL last time out. The Bombers may need ruck reinforcements in Wright’s absence if Nick Bryan isn’t ready for more game time yet, with Lachie Blakiston moving from defence, opening the door for a Ben McKay recall, or Vigo Visentini coming in, options, while Tom Edwards could bolster the forward line. – Dejan Kalinic
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Sean Darcy
Calf
1-2 weeks
Jaeger O’Meara
Face
Test
Alex Pearce
Knee
1-2 weeks
Sam Sturt
Knee/quad
5-6 weeks
Corey Wagner
Adductor
Test
Brandon Walker
Concussion
TBC
Hayden Young
Concussion
1 week
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
Wagner was a key player in this Freo team before his injury and should come straight back in if cleared, with the midfielder completing a solid session over the weekend and poised to join main training on Wednesday. O’Meara is less certain given he has missed five matches, with the experienced midfielder training with a face guard. Bailey Banfield and Cooper Simpson are depth options in defence if changes are made, while wingman-turned-inside midfielder Jeremy Sharp produced terrific WAFL form before last week’s general state-league bye. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Harley Barker
Knee
Indefinite
Jhye Clark
Concussion
TBC
Toby Conway
Foot/Knee
TBC
Keighton Matofai-Forbes
Foot
3 weeks
Jay Polkinghorne
Foot
2-3 weeks
Tyson Stengle
Conditioning
Individualised program
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
Jake Kolodjashnij and James Worpel are set to return after being rested against the Lions. Meanwhile, Clark continues to progress through concussion protocols following a training incident two weeks ago, with the club monitoring his availability. Jack Bowes made a strong case for an immediate recall following his omission from the Grand Final rematch. Bowes dominated Geelong’s VFL clash with 40 disposals, seven clearances, and two goals. In further good news, Jacob Molier successfully returned from a hamstring injury, collecting 10 disposals. – Emily Patterson
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Alex Davies
Foot
TBC
Jy Farrar
Ankle
6+ weeks
Will Graham
Concussion
TBC
Elliott Himmelberg
Knee
4-6 weeks
Ben Long
Ankle
Test
Ethan Read
Knee
4-6 weeks
Jake Rogers
Hamstring
1-3 weeks
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
Ankle
1-3 weeks
Lachie Weller
Hamstring
1-3 weeks
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
Sam Clohesy is available after serving a two-match suspension, and he’d appear to be the perfect replacement for Weller. Long did some run-throughs at training on Tuesday in a sign his ankle is vastly improved from last week, although he’ll need to complete main training on Thursday to fill the vacancy left by Graham. Beau Addinsall and Jai Murray continue to impress in the VFL and could be in line for a debut if Long doesn’t get up. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Leek Aleer
Ankle
2 weeks
Cody Angove
Hand
3 weeks
Ryan Angwin
Concussion
Test
Jack Buckley
Hamstring
Test
Tom Green
Knee
Season
Jesse Hogan
Hip
1-3 weeks
Darcy Jones
Knee
4-5 weeks
Josh Kelly
Hip
TBC
Nick Madden
Knee
5-8 weeks
Xavier O’Halloran
Ankle
6-8 weeks
Harry Rowston
Illness
Test
Logan Smith
Knee
TBC
Sam Taylor
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Nathan Wardius
Knee
TBC
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
Hogan has begun a reconditioning block for a hip pointer injury, sidelining him for the next one to three weeks, while a 6–8-week timeline has been set for O’Halloran following his syndesmosis surgery. Angwin is also back on the injury list after fracturing a knuckle in Sunday’s loss to the Eagles. In better news, Angove is a test to play his first game of the season after recovering from a hamstring injury, with Rowston (knee infection) and Buckley (hamstring) also facing fitness tests to return. Meanwhile, Ollie Hannaford responded strongly to his omission, racking up 24 disposals, five clearances, and three goals in the VFL. – Emily Patterson
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Tom Barrass
Hamstring
2-4 weeks
James Blanck
Hamstring
4 weeks
Jack Gunston
Foot
Test
Jack Scrimshaw
Knee
TBC
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
Will Day will play in the VFL on Friday night against Williamstown in his first game since not just the shoulder reconstruction in January, but the third bone stress issue in his foot back in August last year. Mabior Chol will return against Adelaide in Launceston on Thursday night, alongside Conor Nash, but Gunston didn’t train on Tuesday and is in doubt. Cam Nairn will make his debut for the Hawks after a strong block at Box Hill. Scrimshaw and Jarman Impey both trained away from the main group after injury concerns last week. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jed Adams
Knee
6-8 weeks
Jai Culley
Knee
Season
Aidan Johnson
Hip/groin
1-2 weeks
Xavier Lindsay
Hip/groin
4-6 weeks
Shane McAdam
Achilles
TBC
Jake Melksham
Ankle
Test
Brody Mihocek
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Christian Salem
Foot
4-6 weeks
Jack Viney
Achilles
TBC
Caleb Windsor
Toe
Test
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
A pair of key Demons have had unfortunate setbacks, with Lindsay and Salem both now expected to be sidelined until after the Demons’ bye in round 16. Salem is still managing a foot fracture and is progressing slowly despite scans showing healing, while Lindsay has also been unable to step up to high-intensity running and agility work. Meanwhile, young defender Adams suffered a PCL injury at training and while he doesn’t require surgery, he still faces a lengthy stint on the sideline. In better news, the Dees could have a double boost to face the Dogs, with both Melksham and Windsor pushing to return pending fitness tests later in the week. Journeyman Tom Campbell announced his retirement last week. – Alison O’Connor
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jackson Archer
Knee
Season
Zac Banch
Hamstring
2 weeks
Zac Fisher
Hamstring
Test
Josh Goater
Calf
Test
Robert Hansen jnr
Adductor
Test
Tom Powell
Groin
2-4 weeks
River Stevens
Knee
2-3 weeks
Blake Thredgold
Foot
TBC
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
The Kangas will be without Powell again, after he suffered a setback in the VFL over the weekend. Riley Hardeman would surely be a chance to make his first appearance of the season in Saturday’s clash against the Suns after being the carryover emergency at AFL level last week. Lachy Dovaston (13 disposals, two goals) was a strong performer in the reserves and could also be set for a recall in the seniors. – Riley Beveridge
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Miles Bergman
Toe
7-9 weeks
Lachie Jones
Concussion
TBC
Josh Lai
Concussion
Test
Ollie Lord
Knee
Season
Jack Lukosius
Groin
1-3 weeks
Sam Powell-Pepper
Knee
3-5 weeks
Connor Rozee
Hamstring
7-9 weeks
Josh Sinn
Shoulder
11-13 weeks
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
Barring any last-minute mishaps, the Power will regain Lai for Saturday night’s match against Carlton at Adelaide Oval in a straight swap for Jones. Tom Cochrane had a blistering SANFL performance before a bye at the weekend to put his name in the frame, while Todd Marshall is still lurking should Josh Carr want to replace any tall timber. – Michael Whiting
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Jasper Alger
Knee
Test
Harry Armstrong
Foot
1-3 weeks
Sam Banks
Collarbone
1 week
Tom Brown
Arm
3-4 weeks
Judson Clarke
ACL
4-7 weeks
Josh Gibcus
ACL strain
Season
Campbell Gray
Hamstring
TBC
Taj Hotton
Hip
3-5 weeks
Sam Lalor
Achilles
5-7 weeks
Rhyan Mansell
Foot
TBC
Kane McAuliffe
Achilles
TBC
Toby Nankervis
Hamstring
3-4 weeks
Zane Peucker
Ankle
3-4 weeks
Dion Prestia
Calf
1 week
Hugo Ralphsmith
MCL
3-4 weeks
Maurice Rioli
Hamstring
1 week
Tom Sims
Foot
Test
Josh Smillie
Quad
TBC
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
The troops are on their way, but they’re taking a slightly circuitous route. Mykelti Lefau is available after a week of management, but Gray will come out of the 23 with a “high-grade” hamstring strain. Alger is more likely than Sims to come into the AFL side if needed, given the surprising depth of key forwards, and the latter’s lengthy lay-off dating back to last season. Banks has returned to contact training after his broken collarbone, while Rioli will also come into the mix next week. Clarke is on the verge of returning to full training. – Sarah Black
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Eamonn Armstrong
Suspension
1 week
Dan Butler
Hamstring
1 week
Hunter Clark
Knee
TBC
Jack Higgins
Knee
Test
Kye Fincher
Foot
5 weeks
Max King
Hamstring
4-5 weeks
Mitch Owens
Calf
2 weeks
Liam Ryan
Calf
2 weeks
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
Calf
2 weeks
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
Owens will miss another two games after missing the win over Richmond with a calf strain, joining Wanganeen-Milera on the sidelines with the same injury. Higgins will need to prove his fitness later in the week after dealing with a knee issue on Sunday at Marvel Stadium. Ryan is still a fortnight away from returning. Mason Wood went back to VFL level and starred with three goals from 28 disposals to demand an immediate recall, while Tobie Travaglia collected 26 touches. – Josh Gabelich
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Taylor Adams
Hamstring
5 weeks
Riak Andrew
Quad
10 weeks
Ned Bowman
Calf
Test
Braeden Campbell
Leg
8 weeks
Will Green
Foot
5 weeks
Errol Gulden
Shoulder
6-8 weeks
Liam Hetherton
Back
6 months
Max King
Back
3 months
Dane Rampe
Calf
4 weeks
Matt Roberts
Groin
2-4 weeks
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
Rampe was managed last week against the Magpies, but subsequent testing on reported calf soreness has revealed a strain that will sideline him for the next four weeks. In better news on the injury front, Bowman will resume team training this week. Listed as a test, his return to play is planned once he successfully tolerates a full week of training load. Meanwhile, after being omitted from the senior side, Hayden McLean responded strongly by kicking two majors in Sydney’s VFL win over Collingwood. – Emily Patterson
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Sam Allen
Knee/hamstring
TBC
Tyler Brockman
Knee
2-3 weeks
Jamie Cripps
Knee
TBC
Harry Edwards
Concussion
TBC
Jack Graham
Shoulder
5-6 weeks
Jack Hutchinson
Hamstring
3-5 weeks
Noah Long
Knee
Season
Jacob Newton
Foot
Season
Archer Reid
Knee
Test
Deven Robertson
Knee
Season
Brandon Starcevich
Calf
Test
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
Cooper Duff-Tytler was rested last week against GWS and is a chance to return after freshening up. At least one change will be required after Hutchinson experienced hamstring awareness against the Giants, with subsequent scans revealing a strain. There was no WAFL game due to the state game against the SANFL, but Bo Allan is available and Elijah Hewett showed form as an onballer the week prior to press his case for a recall. Young midfielder Tom Gross has been a consistent performer at WAFL level. Gun recruit Brandon Starcevich will play minutes in the WAFL this week in his first step towards an AFL return after recovering from a calf injury. On the injury front, key defender Harry Edwards is in great spirits around the club as he works through concussion protocols, with the Eagles prioritising his care before considering the next football steps. – Nathan Schmook
PLAYER
INJURY
ESTIMATED RETURN
Sam Darcy
Knee
Season
Tim English
Concussion
TBC
Riley Garcia
Knee
TBC
Luke Kennedy
Concussion
TBC
Tom Liberatore
Concussion/knee
TBC
James O’Donnell
Hamstring
Test
Zac Walker
Concussion
TBC
Cody Weightman
Knee
1-3 weeks
Bailey Williams
Hamstring
5-7 weeks
Laitham Vandermeer
Hamstring
4-6 weeks
Updated: May 19, 2026
In the mix
O’Donnell is on track to return against the Demons this weekend ahead of a daunting match-up against Max Gawn. Williams rarely misses but won’t return for at least five weeks after suffering a nasty hamstring strain against Carlton. Garcia is facing months on the sidelines with another bad hamstring injury, while Weightman is closing in on a return for the first time since the 2024 elimination final. – Josh Gabelich