AFL: Pre-season injury watch for all 18 clubs ahead of February’s trial games
Who is on the comeback trail? Who is in doubt for the pre-season games? And which stars are sidelined? Here is a stocktake of where things stand at all 18 clubs.
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With practice matches just around the corner, our team have compiled a stocktake of where every club’s injury list is at.
There’s some big names racing the clock to be fit in time to get some valuable minutes in before the season proper.
See the full list below.
Adelaide
Match simulation: Port Adelaide, February 23, Alberton Oval
Community series: West Coast, March 2, Hisense Stadium (Richmond)
Nick Murray (knee): The key defender is tracking well in his rehabilitation from ACL surgery, starting change of direction running and joining in some drills with the main group as he eyes a return at the 11-12 month mark.
Harry Schoenberg (achilles): The midfielder is also running, initially on a weight-bearing treadmill before moving to grass last week. He is expected to return in the second half of the season.
Wayne Milera (hamstring): The half-back has overcome a minor, pre-Christmas issue to be back in full training.
Rory Sloane (hamstring): Like Milera, the ex-captain sustained an injury before the new year break but was now training unrestricted again.
Elliott Himmelberg (hamstring): The swingman is progressing in his return from surgery.
Dan Curtin (knee soreness): The Crows’ top draft pick was in the rehab group before the four-day break and was expected to rejoin the main group in coming weeks.
Brisbane Lions
Match simulation: v Gold Coast, February 22, Springfield
Community Series: v Sydney, February 29, Blacktown
Lachie Neale (groin): Has recovered from post-season groin surgery and is expected to feature in the match simulation work in February.
Deven Robertson (wrist): Had surgery in the off-season, but a minor complication has meant he required a second operation to ensure correct healing procedure. He is not locked into the pre-season games, with the club cautious as he continues to wear a guard to protect the wrist.
Will Ashcroft (knee): Progressing well from a ruptured ACL that he sustained against Geelong last season, but he is not expected to return to any level of football until mid-season.
Tom Doedee (knee): Arriving over summer, the former Crow will miss the opening rounds as he recovers from an ACL injury, but the Lions hope he is in the mix early in the year.
Carlton
Match simulation: v Geelong, February 22, Ikon Park
Community series: Melbourne, February 28, Ikon Park
Jacob Weitering (calf): The star defender suffered a high-grade calf strain during a training session earlier this month and will be racing the clock to be ready for opening round.
Jack Silvagni (knee): The forward will miss the entire 2024 season in a big blow for the Blues, after rupturing his ACL at training this week.
Zac Williams (knee): The rebounding defender is nearing a return to full fitness, having finally rejoined the main training group after tearing his ACL last February.
Matt Duffy (knee): The Irish recruit won’t play this year, after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament while playing a Gaelic football match in November ahead of his arrival in Australia.
Collingwood
Match simulation: v North Melbourne, February 21, Arden St
Community series: v Richmond, February 27, Ikon Park
Josh Daicos (foot): Daicos labelled his injury as a foot problem but the club this week named it as “lower leg/nerve muscle pain”. Either way, Daicos has been running through the issue and will be eased into drills in the next few weeks and should play in pre-season fixtures.
Brody Mihocek (calf): Had to deal with a calf niggle but is almost back into full training. Should be ready for match simulation next week.
Brayden Maynard (shoulder): The defender has been desperate to get into contact training and will be eased into match sim in the next couple of weeks, leaving him as a likely starter for the pre-season games.
Jakob Ryan (leg): The youngster had some soreness in his leg that was revealed to be bone bruising. He was due to start running again this week and will be assessed from there.
Dan McStay (knee): Out for the season with an ACL injury, the Magpies are yet to put him on the inactive list.
Essendon
Match simulation: v St Kilda, February 23, RSEA Park
Community series: v Geelong, March 1, GMHBA Stadium
Sam Draper (groin): The ruck will begin training next week after a long build up of running and will be hopeful of facing Geelong in the official practice match. Signs are positive for the fan favourite.
Dylan Shiel (foot): Looks like the midfielder will miss the practice matches, as he is still away from the main group at training. Shiel is expected to begin entering training next month.
Jaiden Hunter (knee): Season over unfortunately for the rookie, who ruptured his ACL earlier this month.
Tex Wanganeen (foot): The young forward is still not running on grass and is a long way off proper training.
Sam Weideman (Achilles): A slow start to pre-season for the ex-Bomber, who was stuck on running duties but he has returned to full training now.
Xavier Duursma (hip): The recruit was in and out of drills before Christmas due to a hip injury but is in full swing now.
Fremantle
Match simulation: v West Coast, February 24, Mineral Resources Park
Community Series: v Port Adelaide, March 1, Alberton Oval
Brennan Cox (leg): Cox experienced lower leg soreness after match simulation late last week, and was held out of training on Monday as the club sought to confirm the issue. The 25 year old was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his fibula and is unlikely to play in the practice matches, however the club expects him to be available for round 1.
Sean Darcy (knee): Darcy suffered a serious knee injury late in the 2023 season and has been limited during the pre-season, however the ruck is expected to be pushing to be fit for round 1. He is unlikely to be available for the match simulation or community series matches.
Sam Switkowski (hamstring): Still confined to the rehab group, the small forward will be unlikely to feature in the pre-season however remains a chance for round 1.
Brandon Walker (leg): Unlikely to feature in the match simulations, with the small defender still with the rehab group this week after his 2023 campaign came to an end early because of a dislocated knee against Collingwood.
Luke Ryan (ankle): Spent time in the rehab group however has rejoined training, albeit light duties, and should be available for match simulation work from next week.
Geelong
Match simulation: v Carlton, February 22, Ikon Park
Community series: v Essendon, March 1, GMHBA Stadium
Geelong has a full complement on the track which pales in comparison to the club’s injury-riddled season last year. Jack Henry (lisfranc) and Phoenix Foster (foot fracture) were on modified programs leading up to the Christmas break but both are back in full training since returning.
Gold Coast
Match simulation: v Brisbane, February 22, Carrara
Community series: v Greater Western Sydney, February 29, Manuka Oval
Lachie Weller (knee): Weller will not play for the Suns until at least mid-season after tearing his ACL in 2023.
Greater Western Sydney
Match simulation: v Sydney, February 22, Tramway Oval
Community series: v Gold Coast, February 29, Manuka Oval
Adam Kennedy (knee): Kennedy is eight months post ACL surgery and progressing with running conditioning, agility work and currently joining in the team warm-up. Will progress to team skills in February and at this stage is the only player confirmed to be unavailable for the Giants’ pre-season games.
Hawthorn
Match simulation: v Western Bulldogs, February 23, Whitten Oval
Community Series: v Western Bulldogs, March 2, UTAS Stadium
Mitch Lewis (ankle): The full-forward has recovered from a foot issue but rolled his ankle earlier this month. He stepped back into training this week so should be available for practice games.
Mabior Chol (knee): The recruit was delayed in his first pre-season with Hawthorn after a PCL injury he suffered in the VFL grand final but is back in full training.
Seamus Mitchell (hamstring): Still at least a week away from full training and in some doubt for pre-season matches.
Will Day (foot): A stress fracture in Day’s foot hit the Hawks hard and the reigning best-and-fairest winner is still in a moon boot. The midfielder will likely be assessed within the next three weeks to map out his return, essentially ruling him out of pre-season games, but he is still a chance for round 1.
Changkuoth Jiath (groin): Back from a training camp in Qatar with a bounce in his step, Jiath is at full fitness.
Jack Ginnivan (corkie): No real concerns for the recruit, who copped a knock at training on Monday.
Denver Grainger-Barras (ankle): Tweaked his ankle at training on Monday but the injury is minor. Should be back into full training within the next fortnight.
Chad Wingard (Achilles): All signs point to a mid-season return for Wingard, who has been running and making good progress.
Melbourne
Community Series: v Carlton, February 28, Ikon Park
Clayton Oliver (personal): The gun midfielder was granted extended leave by the Demons, not returning to pre-season training with teammates earlier this month as he deals personal issues.
Jake Melksham (knee): The forward is slowly building but faces a long road to recovery after rupturing his ACL last August.
Harry Petty (foot): The defender turned forward is expected to return to full training next week.
Christian Salem (hamstring): The rebounding defender has experienced some recent hamstring awareness, but the Demons expect him to be back in full training in coming sessions.
Lachie Hunter (calf): The wingman experienced a minor calf issue during the Christmas break and has been managed as he works his way back.
Ben Brown (knee): The luckless key forward had fresh knee surgery on Thursday after suffering some minor damage and won’t be back to full fitness for six to eight weeks.
Tom Fullarton (hamstring): The recruit has been sent for scans with fears he has seriously injured his hamstring.
North Melbourne
Match Simulation: v Collingwood, February 21, Arden St
Community Series: v St Kilda, March 3, RSEA Park
Brayden George (elbow): Finally some good news for the unlucky youngster who dislocated his elbow in a training mishap, with George back in full training and due to step into intraclub match simulation on Friday.
Zac Fisher (hamstring): Cleared of any damage after he was sent for scans last week on a sore hamstring. Fisher will spend some time on a modified program but will return to full training soon.
Eddie Ford (ankle): Picked up a nasty syndesmosis injury before Christmas and has been getting back into running. Looks unlikely for match simulation against Collingwood.
Aidan Corr (ankle): Corr also injured his ankle pre-season but he is further along than Ford, and expected back into full training as early as next week.
Jackson Archer (groin): Still a few weeks off joining main training with a groin problem that first hit last year. He isn’t due to return to full training for at least another two weeks, most likely ruling him out of playing against Collingwood.
Luke McDonald (hamstring): Tracking well to enter full training in three weeks, which means he would likely be on limited minutes if he was available for match simulation against Collingwood.
Griffin Logue (knee): Best hopes for the defender are for a return to the field by round 10.
Tristan Xerri (face): The ruck copped a knock in match play last week and is poised for surgery. His fitness shouldn’t be hit as he can still run but his return to contact will depend on how he improves.
Port Adelaide:
Match simulation: v Adelaide, February 23, Alberton Oval
Community series: v Fremantle, March 1, Alberton Oval
Mitch Georgiades (knee): Continuing his recovery from ACL surgery, spending training sessions running along the sidelines. He is eyeing a round 1 return but when he is reintegrated into matchplay and how he fares will likely be a key factor into his availability.
Todd Marshall (hip): After having off-season surgery on his right hip, which hindered him late last year, the key forward has reintegrated into the main group but still is not doing everything, playing some match simulation on Wednesday before sitting out to run.
Charlie Dixon (groin): The spearhead is dealing with a strain, stemming from a training injury, which the club says is mild.
Josh Sinn (hamstring): Coming off an injury-interrupted first two campaigns, including off-season surgery, Sinn is progressing well and has been involved in match simulation.
Trent McKenzie (ankle): They key defender battled an ankle problem late last season before having surgery after Port’s campaign ended. He has returned to full training.
Richmond
Community Series: v Collingwood, February 27, Ikon Park
Dustin Martin (ankle): Took some steps back into training on Wednesday after being sent off to the rehab group after a minor ankle tweak. Should recover in time to face Collingwood.
Tom Lynch (foot): Unlikely for pre-season matches but the big forward has been running on grass and is still hopeful of playing in opening round.
Josh Gibcus (hamstring): The youngster has lifted to be included in almost all of training after a slow build to nurse through his worrisome hamstring. Should be cherry ripe for some pre-season action.
Jack Ross (toe): Off-season toe surgery has put the brakes on the winger’s pre-season, he is still building up fitness so is touch and go for a pre-season meeting with Collingwood.
Shai Bolton (ankle): No worries for Bolton, he had ankle surgery post-season but is back in full training.
Dylan Grimes (calf): The veteran is taking it easy and among the rehab group at the Tigers but club CEO Brendon Gale reckons he will play in opening round. Whether he faces Collingwood on February 27 is yet to be seen.
St Kilda
Match simulation: v Essendon, February 23, RSEA Park
Community series: v North Melbourne, March 3, RSEA Park
Dan Butler (ankle): Resumed running this week after ankle surgery last month, but he is still a couple of weeks away from joining main training. The small forward faces a delayed start to the season.
James Van Es (ankle): Had stepped up his training after ankle surgery late last season, but has since had a further operation to remove a screw which was causing discomfort.
Max King (shoulder): is still being managed, but is getting involved in more training after an injury-hit 2023.
Jack Hayes (knee): Still working his way back after a post-season knee clean-out, but there are plans to step up his training load next week.
Anthony Caminiti (hamstring): Closing in on a return to main training as he nears the end of a personalised conditioning block after hamstring tenderness caused problems before Christmas.
Sydney
Match simulation: v Greater Western Sydney, February 22, Tramway Oval
Community series: v Brisbane, February 29, Blacktown
Callum Mills (shoulder): Mills is progressing well from his shoulder operation following his costly Mad Monday wrestle with teammate Jacob Konstanty that left him with a ruptured rotator cuff. He has started modified training with the main group and has continued to build his running and cardio work. He is tipped to be back in action midway through the season.
Lachlan McAndrew (wrist): Had post-season surgery on his wrist and has been integrated into skills work. He is expected to start contact work in the next fortnight.
West Coast
Match simulation: v Fremantle, February 24, Mineral Resources Park
Community series: v Adelaide, March 2, Hisense Stadium
Tim Kelly (hamstring): A hamstring strain last Monday was one of three injuries that came from the Eagles camp. Kelly is not expected to be in danger of missing round 1 and should be free to face Fremantle with it only a 2-3 week injury, however the Eagles may not risk him before the season opener against Port Adelaide.
Liam Ryan (hamstring): Ryan’s hamstring injury was the most significant injury to come out of the pre-season for West Coast, with a high-grade tear confirmed. Tendon damage meant Ryan went under the knife for repair work, and the high-flying small forward is expected to miss the opening
Coby Burgiel (hamstring): A minor hamstring strain, West Coast is confident the second-year Eagle will not miss much training and regain fitness in time to participate in the practice matches.
Dom Sheed (foot): Battling a hot spot on his foot, Sheed is working into training ahead of the practice matches. The premiership hero was sidelined by the issue before Christmas and has been on a modified program, but the Eagles are hopeful of his being fully fit for the start of the season.
Elijah Hewett (foot): One of the club’s bright young stars has been on light duties since December, battling a foot issue. It is not serious and Hewett is expected to be available for the game against Fremantle in February.
Josh Rotham (groin): Battling groin tightness, Rotham has been on restricted duties at training in recent weeks however he is expected to be available ahead of the clash against Fremantle.
Western Bulldogs
Match simulation: v Hawthorn, February 23, Whitten Oval
Community series: v Hawthorn, March 2, UTAS Stadium
Tim English (illness): The Dogs cleared their star ruck of any concussion concerns and have labelled the injury that kept him out of contact drills as “migraine-related”. English has remained fit despite missing contact work for the last six weeks so unless he has further hiccups, he should be fit to face Hawthorn.
Alex Keath (knee): The Dogs believe Keath is still a chance to play pre-season matches despite a sore knee that has kept him away from the main group. He ran slow laps on Wednesday.
Riley Garcia (shoulder): Running at good speed and not far off being reintroduced into drills.
Lachie Bramble (shoulder): Went through a shoulder reconstruction in the off-season before signing with the Dogs in November. Took part in all of a lighter session on Wednesday so is almost 100 per cent.
Marcus Bontempelli (ankle): Started pre-season with a wobbly ankle but ‘the Bont’ is back in full swing.
Bailey Smith (knee): No footy this year for Smith unless there is some kind of miracle, having ruptured his ACL in December. The Dogs have not placed him on the long-term injury list yet.
Originally published as AFL: Pre-season injury watch for all 18 clubs ahead of February’s trial games
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