Every AFL club’s pre-season injury guide: Latest on Brayden Maynard, Zac Williams, Tom Lynch and more
There are plenty of big names with off-season issues putting their round 1 selection in doubt. Check them all out plus more injury news from every club here.
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North Melbourne midfielder Tarryn Thomas will remain out of full training until the new year due to groin soreness as he builds into a crucial contract year.
The hugely talented Thomas enjoyed the best month of his career to close out the 2023 season, averaging 23 touches and 6.5 inside-50s a game playing as a midfielder-forward, showing off his smooth game.
But the 23-year-old has played 22 games combined in the last two seasons and has dealt with a string of off-field issues, making 2024 a vital year for his hopes of securing a lucrative new contract.
Thomas has been batting his sore groin throughout pre-season and is set to be on a midfield program until the new year.
Youngsters Jackson Archer and Blake Drury are both dealing with the same soreness and will be hoping to step up training when the Roos come back from the Christmas break.
Richmond winger Jack Ross has continued to ease his way back from off-season toe surgery as spearhead Tom Lynch still hopes for a round 1 return after his 2023 campaign was ended by a foot injury.
Essendon swingpiece Nik Cox has been eased into pre-season after a troublesome ankle joint injury in 2023 but he has put together strong running in recent weeks.
Goalkicker Jake Stringer is expected to be into full training before the Dons break for Christmas as he gets over a foot injury.
Clubs continue to monitor Sean Darcy as he heads into the final year of his contract and the Fremantle ruck has only just begun running at full pace after ankle surgery ended his season.
The big man remains away from the Dockers’ main group and should return to full training next month.
Veteran Nat Fyfe has been working on his own program but has so far had a clean bill of health throughout pre-season.
Hawthorn runner Changkuoth Jiath will head to Qatar during the Christmas break to work on groin issues that have hampered his trademark dash but the Hawks are adamant his preparation has been strong so far and the jetsetting trip would put the cherry on top of his pre-season.
Each of Mitch Lewis (foot), Mabior Chol (knee) and Karl Amon (knee) have been joining in some drills at Hawks training and should be in full swing in the new year.
Check out the full list of players at every club who have eased into training or remain a while away.
ADELAIDE
Jordon Butts – Expected to have a lighter week leading into Christmas after sustaining a slight hamstring strain last week.
Elliott Himmelberg – Now running at good speed, having had hamstring surgery in August, and was expected to rejoin into training in the new year.
Chayce Jones – Had foot surgery late in the season, having been injured in round 21, but now in full drills.
Nick Murray – Has progressed to running, kicking and change of direction work, putting him on track for a 10-12 month return from the anterior cruciate ligament rupture he copped in July.
Rory Sloane – The 33-year-old is managing his loads leading into the break as he prepares for his 16th season.
Harry Schoenberg – Continuing to build his strength in the gym as he recovers from post-season achilles surgery after an injury in the last round against West Coast.
Zac Taylor – Like Jones, he had foot surgery late in the campaign but is back training as normal.
BRISBANE LIONS
Will Ashcroft – Went down with an ACL against Geelong in July. Resumed running last month and is expected back in the second half of 2024.
Tom Doedee – The former Crows defender ruptured his ACL in June. The Lions hope to have him fit for selection during the middle of next season, sometime around the bye rounds.
Noah Answerth – Had a dour time at the end of last season missing time with a facial injury and then a shoulder. Is back to full fitness.
Kai Lohmann – Is back from his broken collarbone and by all reports has set his sights on breaking into the AFL side next season. Kept neck-and-neck with Hugh McCluggage in the early running drills and has bulked up.
Jack Payne – Missed the grand final with an ankle injury but is well and truly over that now. Is back for pre-season and looking fit.
James Madden – The dashing Irish defender missed the majority of last season with a shoulder injury. Returned for day one of pre-season fit and ready to go.
CARLTON
Zac Williams – On schedule to return to full training in February. Missed all of last season because of a knee injury but is progressing well and has started to join in some skills sessions.
Sam Docherty – Underwent minor foot surgery after the season and is on a modified program although was on the track for the first official training session back.
Corey Durdin – Recovering from shoulder surgery which will limit his involvement in training until after Christmas.
Alex Mirkov – Starting to build his condition back up after heart surgery in June. Return to training expected in the new year.
COLLINGWOOD
Darcy Moore – The skipper started his pre-season avoiding drills as he recovers after ankle and wrist issues in September. The skipper looks fit and is running well.
Nick Daicos – Daicos has been joining in drills after his late-season knee injury and has shown no signs of discomfort.
Darcy Cameron – The big man powered through running and a rowing machine session on Monday as he eases his way into pre-season. Should be good to go after Christmas.
Dan McStay – The hard luck story of the finals series is already the hard luck story of 2024. McStay was waiting until the swelling in his knee goes down before surgery to repair the ACL he ruptured on December 1.
Jamie Elliott – One of the other Magpies who hasn’t been in full training after a minor shoulder clean up, Elliott will get into full contact next year.
Pat Lipinski – The midfielder rolled his ankle on Monday at training but was back running by the end of the week and the injury shouldn’t hurt his pre-season.
Brayden Maynard – Won’t be back into full training until February after shoulder surgery post-season. He took part in some kick-to-kick on Monday but only used his left hand in an indication he is still a fair way off from full movement.
ESSENDON
Sam Draper – The ruckman is back doing some light running after post-season groin surgery and has put a lot of time into his body in the hope of an uninterrupted 2024. He is looking to resume full training in January.
Dylan Shiel – The midfielder had both knee and foot surgery after the second half of his season was ruined by injury. He is tracking towards a return to full training in late February, which could mean a slightly delayed start to season 2024.
Jake Stringer – The power forward is still managing a foot injury which he carried through the latter part of the season, but is expected to resume main training before Christmas.
Nik Cox – The Bombers are taking a cautious approach with the former No.8 draft pick after an ankle joint injury troubled him for much of the year. However, he is in a much better spot than this time last year and has begun a gradual integration into training following a strong running block.
Sam Weideman – The forward is set to re-join main training in January as he continues his recovery from an Achilles issue which hampered him late in the season.
Nick Bryan – The ruckman remains on a modified program as he manages a thumb injury which required surgery last month, but should return to full training before Christmas.
Tex Wanganeen – The forward had post-season surgery on a navicular injury in his foot, but is expected to resume running before Christmas and integrate back into full training in February.
Xavier Duursma – The new recruit has made a slow start to pre-season at his new club, recovering from a hip issue which he had late in the season. However, he has made good progress as he builds back into some running.
Peter Wright – The key forward has been on a modified running program as he overcomes a foot injury, but is working his way towards a return to main training.
Ben McKay – The key defender has been on a modified training program due to a knee issue but is closing in on a return to main training.
FREMANTLE
Sam Sturt – The most recent addition to Fremantle’s injury list, Sturt felt soreness in his left knee last week and had surgery days later. The forward is not expected back into full training until late January.
Josh Corbett – Corbett will miss the entire 2024 season after he had hip surgery in late November. Yet he still managed to run in the club time trial before surgery and finished third in the first two runs.
Sebit Kuek – Knee and shoulder surgery means Kuek has been placed on Fremantle’s long term injury list. He has begun slowly running on normal ground after working on an AlterG machine so is on the way back.
Sean Darcy – The ruck remains in the rehab group after his ankle surgery. He has begun hitting full speed during running so should be joining in training in the new year.
Andrew Brayshaw – Started pre-season on light duties but has been in most sessions since and looks set to go at full pace.
Brandon Walker – Walker looks on track to play in round 1 as he returns from a serious knee injury but he remains in the rehab group.
Heath Chapman – Shoulder surgery at the end of the season for Chapman but he hasn’t missed a beat so far in pre-season and has been taking part in tackling drills.
Nat Fyfe – The veteran has had a torrid time with his body in recent years but has had no issues so far this pre-season, as he goes through his own specific program.
GEELONG
Jack Henry – Suffered a Lisfranc ligament injury against Port Adelaide in round 21 which continued his wretched run with foot injuries, having recovered from three setbacks within 12 months to the other foot. The swingman is expected to be back in action after the Christmas break.
Phoenix Foster – The developing tall is on a modified training program after suffering a foot fracture. Is expected to be back in full training after the Christmas break.
Toby Conway – The young ruck had surgery to clean up his foot at the end of the season but it shouldn’t hinder his pre-season.
GOLD COAST
Lachie Weller – Suffered a second ACL setback in July and missed the remainder of the 2023 season. Is expected to return midway through 2024.
Jake Rogers – The Suns are taking a cautious approach with a back issue. The mid-forward is expected to resume full training in the new year and be fit to play round 1.
Jed Walter – The No.3 draft pick sat out the second-half of his final junior season with knee soreness but is back to full fitness now. Has hit the track and already impressed his new teammates.
GWS GIANTS
Callan Ward – Ward hasn’t started his 17th pre-season as he works on a slight groin issue that has stretched into December. He’s not expected to miss any footy but the Giants are being understandably cautious with the veteran.
Darcy Jones – After suffering an ACL injury in April, Jones is still slowly working back into the Giants group. He’s still not back at full training and will be slowly integrated back into the group closer to the start of next season.
Adam Kennedy – Kennedy is also on the comeback trail after an ACL injury in April. After being picked back up by the Giants on a rookie deal for 2024, he’s still yet to join training and is focusing on the rehab process.
HAWTHORN
Mitch Lewis – The key forward has slowly been integrated into more drills as pre-season has heated up after a foot injury ended his 2023 campaign. He didn’t have surgery on the foot and should be back into full swing after Christmas.
Mabior Chol – Lewis’ potential forward running mate, Chol has also been in and out of some drills due to a knee issue. Expect him to be up and going in the new year.
Karl Amon – The winger carried a knee complaint into pre-season but has been taking part in some training already and is another one who will ramp up properly after the new year break.
Changkuoth Jiath – Jiath is actually near on fully fit but will still take a short trip to Qatar over the Christmas break to put the cherry on top of his preparation as he attempts to get past a groin issue.
Chad Wingard – Wingard told this masthead last week he was happy with how the achilles is progressing. The forward has been on the track on super light duties and will step into running after Christmas.
MELBOURNE
Clayton Oliver – Has been in the rehab group after having surgery on his knee in the off-season. He has been doing sprint work and some lighter skill based activities and is expected to ramp up his training in the new year.
Angus Brayshaw – Has returned to training but still non-contact for now as he continues his recovery from the sickening concussion occurred in the finals series. Impressed in the Dees 2km time trial.
Harrison Petty – The defender is still recovering from a foot injury which ended his season early. He remains on a modified program but will join the main group post-Christmas.
Bayley Fritsch – The forward is still being managed after twice hurting his left foot in the second half of the season. He had surgery to repair a fracture in the foot after the first incident in round 16. Fritsch is expected to join main training in January.
Jake Melksham – The forward will look to begin running again in coming weeks after rupturing his ACL in the final round of the home-and-away season. However, the 32-year-old still faces a long road to recovery.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Griffin Logue – Continuing his rehab after blowing out his knee in July.
Charlie Comben – Promising big man is finally back in full training after breaking his leg back in April and looks set to play in defence in 2024.
Brayden George – Suffered a freak elbow injury while training during the break. Facing several months on the sidelines.
Tarryn Thomas – Troubled by groin soreness so will be kept in cotton wool until the new year.
Jackson Archer – Groin soreness will keep him out of full training until after Christmas.
Blake Drury – Another youngster who is having some groin issues and still a month away from full training.
Callum Coleman-Jones – Had concussion issues during the season and Roos are taking it very slowly with the big man, holding him back until after Christmas.
Cameron Zurhaar – Ankle surgery ended his 2023 season but the explosive forward has been easing his way into pre-season.
Luke McDonald – Hamstring surgery for the co-captain in August but he has built up fitness so far ahead of the Christmas break.
RICHMOND
Josh Gibcus – The Tigers say the star young defender is tracking nicely after heading to Qatar for specialist treatment on his hamstring in October. He remains on a modified training program until Christmas as Richmond takes a cautious approach, but has begun joining in some drills with the backline group at training.
Tom Lynch – Hopes are that the key forward will do enough over summer to be available for a first round return, but Lynch remains on a modified program after a year ruined by a foot injury. He will step up his training in the new year.
Jack Ross – The midfielder is slowly working his way back into full training, following post-season toe surgery.
Judson Clarke – The small forward is still not taking part in contact training, after suffering a cracked scapula during a VFL game in August. Clarke did not require surgery, but always faced a drawn-out healing process.
PORT ADELAIDE
Aliir Aliir – Had ear surgery, not related to football, and should be back training late this week or after Christmas.
Tom Clurey – Has returned to match simulation – albeit non-contact – after a back injury ruined his season, prompting off-season surgery.
Mitch Georgiades – After missing the majority of last season due to an anterior cruciate ligament rupture, the high-flying forward is running again.
Lachie Jones – Back running after a hamstring issue over the break.
Kyle Marshall – Club has been cautious with him due to a stiff back and he has been on the bike this past week.
Todd Marshall – Progressing well after hip surgery, doing some running and sitting out of drills. Will be good to go in the new year, but the club may get him into a drill this week.
Tom McCallum – Underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle post-season and was now on light duties, riding the exercise bike last week. Will be fine in the new year.
Trent McKenzie – Easing back into running after having surgery on his right ankle, which proved an issue during the finals.
Connor Rozee – Has been on the bike this week managing a very slight hamstring niggle and is expected to be back in full training on Monday.
Tom Scully – Hyperextended his knee on Friday, causing him to leave training early on crutches, but scans cleared him of any major structural damage. Will be assessed again this week.
Josh Sinn – On the comeback trail from hamstring surgery that ended his season. Felt some fatigue so had been managed and was on the rower at training on Wednesday, but should be good to go for the Power’s camp next week.
ST KILDA
Max King – The key forward underwent post-season shoulder surgery, which has restricted the early part of his pre-season. However, he will resume drills next week and will get back to full training in January.
Jack Steele – The usually durable skipper again ran laps at training on Friday as he continues his recovery from a post-season ankle clean out, but is not far away from getting back into the swing of things.
Mason Wood – The wingman had post-season shoulder surgery, but it is a calf complaint that he is currently managing. He is expected to return to full training in the first few weeks of next year.
Brad Crouch – The midfielder has been on a modified training program since undergoing post-season knee surgery. He is back running and is set to join main training again after Christmas.
Mitch Owens – The emerging star has sat out some training over the past fortnight due to some minor foot soreness, but is expected to be fit to re-join the main group in January.
Dan Butler – The forward had post-season ankle surgery but is back moving well and will resume main training after the break.
Jack Hayes – The luckless tall underwent an arthroscope on his knee post-season, having only just returned from a knee reconstruction in round 24. He has been absent from the training track, but plans to be back on deck in the early part of next year.
Anthony Caminiti – The key forward has dealt with some hamstring tightness over recent weeks and was running some slow laps at training on Friday, but should be fully fit again after the Christmas break.
Jack Higgins – The livewire small forward has been dealing with some back soreness and missed training on Friday. He will be monitored over the Christmas break, but the issue is not expected to have an impact on his preparations for next season.
SYDNEY
Lachlan McAndrew – The young ruckman underwent wrist surgery in the break and is currently completing a modified program with a cast. The Swans are hopeful he will back involved fully with training early next year.
Callum Mills – After undergoing an operation for a torn rotator cuff, Mills has been out of his brace for more than a month and has been a keen spectator at Swans training with some very light, non-contact drills. His expected return is still well into the 2024 season.
Joel Amartey – Hamstring injuries have plagued Amartey’s career, so the key forward has been on a modified program to start pre-season to ease him back into the swing of things.
WEST COAST
Dom Sheed – The veteran midfielder is now in a moon boot after a hot spot was discovered in his foot. The Eagles are planning to assess him in coming weeks before deciding when he will train again.
Archer Reid – Draftee Reid is also on the sidelines for an indefinite amount of time, with a knee problem putting him in a brace.
Elijah Hewett – The Eagles have scaled back Hewett’s workload after he picked up foot soreness but they expect him to be back in the fold in the new year.
Jai Culley – As he recovers from an ACL tear, Culley is back running and making strides in the hope of a mid-year return to play.
Reuben Ginbey – A hamstring injury ended Ginbey’s season but the teenager reckons he is in the best shape of his life and has been flying through pre-season so far.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Marcus Bontempelli – Had minor ankle surgery last month. Will be in cotton wool until after Christmas.
Adam Treloar – Had an ankle clean-out after the season but is back in full training.
Aiden O’Driscoll – The new draftee has a small stress fracture in his back and will be held back from full training for a few more weeks.
Dominic Bedendo – Two games in 2022 but none this season because of injury problems. Has been the eye-catcher of early pre-season training and was at the front of the 2km time-trial.
Sam Darcy – Had a horror season with a broken jaw, lung issue and severe corked leg keeping to just three games. Has noticeably put on several kilograms of muscle over the break.
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