Injury Hub: Another Giant down amid injury crisis

Pre-season has been a complete disaster on the injury front, with an abundance of injuries ravaging clubs over the summer.

Just weeks out from Opening Round, clubs are continuing to navigate concerns as they prepare their players to attack the early stages of 2026.

So, who's in the mix for an early return, and who's set to miss?

Bayley Fritsch has undergone surgery on his hand after trying to break up a fight between his dogs, reports SEN's Sam Edmund.

The Melbourne forward had an operation on Monday, suddenly putting him in doubt for the Demons’ Round 1 clash against St Kilda on March 15.

Sources said Fritsch’s two dogs were attacking each other when he tried to intervene, injuring his hand in the process.

It’s unclear exactly how much football Fritsch will miss, but his absence would be an untimely blow for new coach Steven King after a summer of optimism.

The crafty left footer had featured in both of Melbourne's practice matches.

Fritsch, who kicked six goals in Melbourne’s 2021 Grand Final triumph against the Dogs, has booted at least 36 majors in each of the past five seasons.

Meanwhile, Richmond top 10 pick Sam Cumming will unfortunately be one to miss, with the Tiger suffering a shoulder concern that will rule him out of the first month of his debut season.

Re-injuring the shoulder that ended his draft year, Cumming will look to naturally recover over the next four weeks, with the club to further assess following the month away from football.

If the midfielder were to undergo surgery, he would likely remain sidelined for approximately four months.

Former number one pick Aaron Cadman will also miss Opening Round, suffering from pelvic soreness to add to the Giants' injury crisis.

GWS will now be without Sam Taylor, Tom Green, Josh Kelly, Darcy Jones, Brent Daniels and Leek Aleer alongside Cadman for their clash against the Hawks.

Jake Soligo suffered a heart concern at training leading into the Crows' Community Series clash with Fremantle. The club confirmed that Soligo underwent a successful operation and remains in the frame to return for Round 1.

Callum Ah Chee fell victim to AFL Origin, withdrawn with ice on the hamstring in the contest's closing stages. Sam Edmund says the club is concerned the injury is on the "serious" side of hamstrings. Thankfully, the Crows confirmed that the recruit avoided serious injury, and remains in contention for an early debut.

After an incredibly fortunate year with injury for the Crows in 2025, it hasn't started all that well in 2026. Jordon Butts returned from a collapsed lung late in the season and will add defensive depth following a full pre-season. Izak Rankine returns from suspension in Round 2, but hurt his hamstring at training recently, while Dan Curtin isn’t expected to return until at least Round 7 with a dislocated kneecap. Ben Keays has also had an interrupted run, but remains in the frame for Round 1. Mark Keane was also stretchered off following a fracture to his lower leg on February 6 which required surgery, while Sid Draper also suffered a setback, seen exiting training with a groin concern on February 9. Mitch Hinge (back soreness) and Isaac Cumming (low-grade hamstring) missed the practive match against Port Adelaide on the weekend.

Injury list
Callum Ah Chee (hamstring) Dan Curtin (knee)
Sid Draper (groin)
Ben Keays (hamstring)
Izak Rankine (suspension/hamstring) Mark Keane (ankle)
Mitch Hinge (back soreness)
Isaac Cumming (hamstring)
Jake Soligo (heart)

Last updated: 02/03

Lions recruit Sam Draper will miss the first round of the 2026 season with a stress issue in his foot. Premiership coach Chris Fagan revealed the news on SEN Tassie: “Sammy Draper got a sore foot the day prior to that (pre-season camp in Maroochydore),” Fagan said. “He’s had some scans on that and unfortunately he’s got a stress reaction in his foot. That’s going to probably mean that he won’t be available for selection until about the second week of the AFL season.”

The back-to-back premiers are set for a glut of returns despite their success in 2025. Both Lincoln McCarthy (knee) and Keidean Coleman (quad) are available for selection having played in both pre-season contests at full health. Noah Answerth (Achilles) has returned to non-contact training, while Eric Hipwood will miss the start of the season with a knee injury. He is expected to return mid-season. Defender Jack Payne will also miss the start of the season, sent in for a second surgery on his ruptured patella after feeling discomfort during rehab. The Lions are yet to provide a timeline.

Injury list
Noah Answerth (achilles)
Sam Draper (foot)
Eric Hipwood (knee)
Jack Payne (knee)

Last updated: 02/03

Jacob Weitering was the story out of AFL Origin, hospitalised after a major collision with Mitch Georgiades.

Early in the first term, the Blues defender entered a marking contest from behind and was caught underneath a falling Georgiades, sandwiched between he and the ground with high impact.

Umpires halted play as Weitering was stretchered off the ground with suspected rib and shoulder damage.

Thankfully, the Blues confirmed via a statement on Sunday morning (February 15) that the star has been cleared of any major long-term concerns.

“First and foremost we are grateful Jacob is okay and has been cleared of any major injury - it is a positive outcome given the circumstances,” Blues GM of Football Chris Davies said.

Weitering continues his race against the clock as he eyes off an Opening Round return.

Blues' veteran defender Nick Haynes will miss the Blues' opening fixtures as he continues to recover from ankle soreness. Carlton announced on Wednesday afternoon (4th of February) that Haynes, alongside Matt Cottrell (knee), underwent a minor arthroscopes that will permit a full recovery. The pair will be reassessed post the Blues' Round 2 bye.

Nic Newman has returned from a ruptured patella and competed in both of Carlton VFL's pre-season hit outs. Back-to-back runner up best and fairest awards, Newman provides plenty of drive off the back flank, however, having been suspended for two matches for striking in the pre-season, Newman will have to wait to make his full senior return.

Jesse Motlop (knee) will miss the entirety of the season following his pre-season ACL, while Harry O’Farrell will also miss a majority of the upcoming season after rupturing his ACL in August of 2025. While Blake Acres dislocated his shoulder earlier in pre-season, he doesn't require surgery, however, having missed both pre-season games, Acres is unlikely to be available for Opening Round.

Adam Cerra will also miss the start of the season with a hamstring injury suffered against the Lions in an unofficial pre-season game, with the club set to reassess the concern following the bye in Round 2.

Injury list
Jacob Weitering (ribs)
Matthew Cottrell (foot)
Jesse Motlop (knee)
Harry O’Farrell (knee)
Nick Haynes (ankle)
Adam Cerra (hamstring)

Last updated: 02/03

Young duo Charlie West (foot) and Harvey Harrison (ACL) are expected to be available for Collingwood's season opener against St Kilda, providing necessary youth to a list in need of emerging talent. Reef McInnes has put in a strong case over pre-season as he eyes off a return from an ACL injury suffered early in 2025. Nailing down his spot in the back half, McInnes will look to recapture his role as the third defensive tall when he returns in the early stages of the season. Lachie Sullivan endured a scare over pre-season, copping a knock to his injured knee during training in December. That said, the club gave Sullivan the all clear as he continues to train with the rehab group. Jeremy Howe suffered a calf concern which has since been re-aggravated which puts him in doubt for Opening Round, while Darcy Moore's comeback from a similar issue has been delayed, with his condition reportedly worsening, also putting Opening Round in doubt. Brayden Maynard suffered a quad concern at training in late January, although scans cleared him of injury.

Injury list
Bobby Hill (personal)
Jeremy Howe (calf)
Tew Jiath (knee)
Reef McInnes (knee)
Dan McStay (shoulder)
Darcy Moore (calf)

*Last updated 02/03

Essendon's pre-season didn't get off to an ideal start, with star Nic Martin suffering an ACL injury in November. That said, the Bombers are expecting a range of returning players following the carnage that was the 2025 season. Jordan Ridley has undergone a modified program across pre-season after suffering a hamstring setback in November, but he is set to miss six weeks with a calf injury. All of Nick Bryan, Thomas Edwards and Lewis Hayes have continued their rehab from ACL injuries in 2025, and are likely to miss the opening stages of the season. That said, Bryan is expected within the early weeks of '26, having now returned to full training. Highly touted rookie Sullivan Robey also faced a setback with his back, however is expected to be available in Round 1. Defender Zach Reid and midfielder Darcy Parish are in full health ahead of Round 1, while Harry Jones (ankle) featured in a half of VFL football. Will Setterfield (knee) remains weeks away.

Injury list
Nick Bryan (knee)
Thomas Edwards (knee)
Lewis Hayes (knee)
Nic Martin (knee)
Jordan Ridley (calf)
Sullivan Robey (back)
Will Setterfield (knee)
Harry Jones (ankle)

Last updated: 02/03

Hayden Young has returned to full fitness following a range of concerns over 2025. A trip to a world renowned rehabilitation clinic in Doha, Qatar has the star midfielder confident in his body ahead of his return to regular game time, and will have the Dockers seriously ready to contend for a Premiership in '26. Sam Sturt will remain sidelined until at least Round 10, as he continues his recovery from knee reconstruction. Brennan Cox suffered a calf strain late in pre-season an remains in doubt for Round 1.

Injury list
Luke Ryan (shoulder)
Sam Sturt (knee)
Brennan Cox (calf)

Last updated: 02/03

Bailey Smith (calf) and Jeremy Cameron (quad) are both set to feature in Geelong's Opening Round clash with Gold Coast, with coach Chris Scott confirming that the pair are good to go. Gryan Miers remains a watch after suffering a thumb injury. Tanner Bruhn returns from personal matters, offering great midfield depth and potential within the Cats' engine room. Ruckman Toby Conway will also return in the early stages after undergoing foot surgery late in 2025. Seen as the long-term replacement for Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs, expect career-most appearances for Conway in 2026 if fit. Tom Stewart is fit following a wrist cleanout. Rookie Harley Barker was drafted following an ACL injury, and is expected to miss a majority of the season.

Injury list
Harley Barker (knee)
Jeremy Cameron (arm/quad)
Toby Conway (foot/knee)
Jake Kolodjasnij (hip)
Tyson Stengle (personal)
Tom Stewart (wrist)
Gryan Miers (thumb)
Bailey Smith (calf)
Keighton Matofei-Forbes (foot)

Last updated: 03/03

Star defender Charlie Ballard could prove a major difference maker for the Suns as he returns from a ruptured ACL. Missing the entire 2025 campaign, Ballard - an elite one-on-one defender - will offer plenty behind the ball for the contending Suns. Rookies Beau Addinsall (hamstring) and Jai Murray (leg) will miss the opening rounds. Matt Rowell missed the closing stages of AFL Origin with what has now been confirmed as a broken finger. He will miss Opening Round, with potential for further weeks on the sidelines.

Injury list
Matt Rowell (finger)
Charlie Ballard (knee)
Elliott Himmelberg (knee)
Beau Addinsall (hamstring)
Jai Murray (leg)

Last updated: 02/03

Tom Green looks set to miss the entire 2026 season after copping a suspected ACL injury at training in mid-February. His midfield teammate Finn Callaghan could also miss early in the year as he deals with a tight hip flexor. Despite being ahead in his rehabilitation, Darcy Jones is expected to miss a majority of the 2026 season with an ACL suffered late in '25, while Josh Kelly will also remain on the sidelines for at least a majority of the year following his hip surgery. Small forward Brent Daniels will miss the opening month with a hamstring. Sam Taylor was withdrawn from the contest with hamstring tightness at half-time, and will now miss the first part of the home and away season with a high-grade hamstring sprain, while Toby Bedford will miss the start of the season with a torn hamstring. Aaron Cadman will miss the opening rounds with a pelvic issue and will be reassessed following Round 2, while Leek Aleer (groin) and Toby McMullin (hamstring) will return to full training next week.

Injury list
Darcy Jones (knee)
Josh Kelly (hip)
Nathan Wardius (knee)
Tom Green (knee) Sam Taylor (hamstring)
Finn Callaghan (hip flexor)
Brent Daniels (hamstring)
Aaron Cadman (pelvic soreness)
Leek Aleer (groin)
Toby McMullin (hamstring)

Last updated: 03/03

Superstar Will Day will return late in the season following his dislocated shoulder during pre-season, with the club targeting Round 14 for his return. Tom Barrass remains in doubt with a back concern. James Sicily has recovered from his pre-season shoulder surgery and is in line to feature in Hawthorn's Community Series clash. Jack Ginnivan remains in the picture for Opening Round as he recovers from a fractured finger, while Jai Newcombe is unavailable after receiving a suspension for a dangerous tackle on Bulldog Ed Richards.

Injury list
Will Day (shoulder)
Tom Barrass (back)
James Blanck (groin)
Cam Nairn (back)
Jack Ginnivan (finger)
Jai Newcombe (suspension)

Last updated: 02/03

Andy Moniz-Wakefield will look to shake up the Dees' selection panel as he returns from an ACL injury suffered during a practice match in 2025. A half-back flanker who, prior to his knee injury, looked a chance to play regular footy across the season, Moniz-Wakefield will bring speed and ball use to a new-look Demon outfit. Jake Bowey will miss a majority of 2026 with his foot injury suffered during pre-season, Harry Sharp (hamstring) is a sniff for the early stages. Jack Henderson (sacrum) is pushing to return in the opening weeks. Jack Viney (Achilles) isn't close to a return and is set for surgery. Brody Mihocek could have his official debut with the Dees delayed by a round after suffering from a concussion in the club's practice match against North Melbourne. Unfortunately for Luker Kentfield, a knee injury suffered in the early stages of Melbourne's Community Series clash with Richmond will rule him out for a period of time, with scans to confirm the extent of the injury in the coming days. Bayley Fritsch has undergone surgery on his hand after trying to break up a fight between his dogs. The Melbourne forward had an operation on suddenly putting him in doubt for the Demons’ Round 1 clash against St Kilda on March 15. Bayley Fritsch is in doubt for the start of the season after a mishap withy his dogs

Injury list
Jake Bowey (foot)
Jack Henderson (sacrum stress fracture)
Bailey Laurie (fractured hand)
Brody Mihocek (concussion)
Harry Sharp (hamstring)
Jack Viney (Achilles)
Luker Kentfield (knee)
Bayley Fritsch (hand)

Last updated: 02/03

After initially being fine to play in Round 1, George Wardlaw is now set to miss a month of football following a hamstring strain.

The 21-year-old had picked up a hamstring injury during a intra club match but scans showed a low grade strain which saw him available for Round 1.

But during a VFL practice game, the former No. 4 draft pick would come off the ground with a hamstring concern which has proven to be worse than his initial scare.

Untried rookie Brayden George is set to reach full fitness in the early stages of the season, having suffered numerous knee and arm concerns across his three years with the club. Luke McDonald will also return from an AC joint that cut his season short, while Jackson Archer will unfortunately miss the duration of the season with an ACL. Aidan Corr will miss a chunk of training with his calf setback, while Charlie Spargo remains hopeful for a Round 1 debut. Rookie Blake Thredgold will miss the first six months of the season after suffering a pre-season Lisfranc injury. Colby McKercher has broken his finger and has undergone surgery, however, is still expected to return in time for Round 1. Riley Hardeman is the latest to suffer a setback, helped off by trainers after suffering a medium-grade left ankle sprain against Melbourne. He will continue to push for a Round 1 return. Taylor Goad limped off from training recently and will miss two to four weeks.

Injury list
Jackson Archer (knee)
Aidan Corr (calf)
Charlie Spargo (shoulder)
Blake Thredgold (foot)
George Wardlaw (hamstring)
Colby McKercher (finger)
Riley Hardeman (ankle)
Taylor Goad (ankle)

Last updated: 02/03

The Power are set for a major inclusion in the back half, with key forward turned key defender Todd Marshall preparing for a Round 1 return. Rupturing his Achilles in pre-season last season, Marshall missed the entirety of 2025, and will enter as a key piece within Port's defensive 50. Not far behind Marshall is Sam Powell-Pepper, who remains close to returning to full training after an ACL injury in July. While he is not expected to return in the opening rounds, the Power's barometer will return mid-season. Youngster Tom Cochrane is looking at a slightly delayed return, while Ollie Wines will miss the first two contests of the season with suspension. Ruckman Ivan Soldo will miss the entire 2026 season after rupturing his right ACL on February 9.

Injury list
Tom Cochrane (hamstring)
Sam Powell-Pepper (knee)
Ollie Wines (suspension)
Brandon Zerk Thatcher (heel)
Ivan Soldo (knee)

Last updated: 02/03

Richmond's Taj Hotton is set to miss the first four months of the season. The Tigers have confirmed that they have found bone stress within the forward's hip. The former first-round pick only played seven games during his debut season after recovering from an ACL rupture during his draft year. Josh Smillie remains in the mix for his long-awaited debut in 2026, however, he will have to wait a little while longer as he continues his rehab from quad surgery in November. A clean run, and Smillie could earn his first taste of AFL football in the early stages of the season, with the club aiming to have him back in full training by the end of January. Thomas Sims (foot) remains a doubt for Round 1, while Judson Clarke will have to wait to return as he continues to rehab his ACL. Sam Cumming is the latest to suffer a setback, set to miss the first month of his debut season with a shoulder reaggravation.

Injury list
Judson Clarke (knee)
Tom Sims (foot)
Josh Smillie (quad)
Nick Vlastuin (ankle)
Taj Hotton (hip)
Sam Cumming (shoulder)

Last updated: 02/03

The Saints are set for a series of returns, with Dan Butler (elbow) and Mitch Owens (hamstring) both completing full pre-seasons off the back of season ending concerns in 2025. Paddy Dow (collarbone) and Dougal Howard (hamstring) have also had clean runs over the pre-season following their injury-hit seasons. Recruits Tom De Koning (calf) and Jack Silvagni (groin) have both battled individual injuries over the break, however as it stands, neither have been ruled out of an Opening Round debut. Unfortunately for the Saints, Max King continues to deal with his knee setback, with a new calf strain pushing back his return again. Ross Lyon says King will be available in Round 4. Liam Henry has also incurred yet another injury. It appears that the wingman has injured his hamstring, with scans to confirm the severity of it.

Injury list
Tom De Koning (calf)
Max King (knee/calf)
Jack Silvagni (groin)
Liam Henry (hamstring)

Last updated: 26/02

Swans rookie Max King will miss up to six months of his debut season after discovering stress fractures in his back. The club have sidelined him immediately, commencing rehabilitation in attempt to aid his return late in the season. Taylor Adams (Achilles) is likely to miss the season opener, after he was unfortunately knocked out in an off-field incident. Untried Ned Bowman has suffered an unfortunate hamstring issue, with the club confirming that he will miss approximately eight weeks. Braeden Campbell also suffered a stress fracture in his shin, with the club yet to hand down a return date. Errol Gulden was withdrawn from the Swans' final pre-season hit out, however, will be available for Opening Round.

Injury list
Taylor Adams (Achilles/concussion)
Max King (back)
Ned Bowman (hamstring)

*Last updated: 02/03

Young Eagle Noah Long is set to miss the 2026 season after suffering a serious knee injury in the club's practice match on the weekend. He avoided ACL damage but has hurt other ligaments which will have him sidelined for a lengthy stint. Bailey Williams (groin) and Tom Cole (finger) are no certainty to return for West Coast's Round 1 opener against Gold Coast. Jack Hutchinson remains sidelined as he recovers from ankle surgery, while rookie Sam Allen (ACL) continues his rehab. Brady Hough (ankle) has returned to full training and could push for Round 1 selection alongside Elijah Hewett (calf), who featured in the Eagles' WAFL hit out. Liam Duggan (concussion) and Tim Kelly (hamstring) are in contention for Round 1, while Liam Baker and Harry Schoenberg will have to wait for Round 2 and Round 1 respectively due to suspension. Jack Graham, Tom Gross (hamstring strains) and Brandon Starcevich (calf) will missed the club's opening practice match, however could feature in Round 1. Tyler Brockman remains a short while away, ruled out for six weeks after undergoing ITB surgery.

Injury list
Sam Allen (knee)
Liam Baker (suspension)
Tom Cole (finger)
Jack Hutchinson (ankle)
Fred Rodriguez (foot)
Bailey Williams (groin) Liam Duggan (concussion)
Noah Long (knee)
Elijah Hewett (calf)
Tom Gross (hamstring)
Jack Graham (hamstring)
Tim Kelly (hamstring)
Tyler Brockman (hip)
Harry Schoenberg (suspension)

Last updated: 02/03

Adam Treloar has once again fallen victim to a persistent injuries, going down with yet another calf concern just weeks out from the Bulldogs' season opener.

Feeling tightness ahead of the Dogs' pre-season practice matches, Treloar has now been sidelined for 2-3 weeks, leaving him in doubt for the club's Opening Round fixture against the Lions.

All-Australian Bailey Dale is also in doubt for the club's Opening Round contest.

The running half back has reportedly suffered a low-grade MCL strain - ruled out for the club's Community Series clash with Hawthorn as he races the clock to face Brisbane on March 7.

Ryley Sanders will miss Opening Round after suffering an unfortunate concussion during the club's Community Series win over Hawthorn, while Sam Darcy's availability remains unclear due to general soreness.

Unfortunately for the Dogs, Cody Weightman's much anticipated return to football has been far from linear, suffering multiple setbacks by way of infection to troublesome knee. Thankfully, the star small forward hit the track for the first time in 331 days earlier in pre-season, taking on his first unassisted run as he looks to progress his training over the pre-season. While he remains a fair distance out from an AFL comeback, the Dogs have circled April as the earliest possible return. Riley Garcia has reportedly suffered a serious hamstring injury and will be sidelined for up to 14 weeks. In the most recent of updates, Adam Treloar has suffered a minor hamstring concern that sidelined him for the first time all pre-season. Reports suggest that he will be right to go for their scheduled practice match against Sydney in mid-February. Lachlan Carmichael (syndesmosis), Josh Dolan (foot) and Laitham Vandemeer (Achilles) are all close, however, will not be available for Opening Round.

Injury list
Riley Garcia (hamstring)
Ed Richards (shoulder)
Cody Weightman (knee)
Adam Treloar (calf)
Lachlan Carmichael (syndesmosis)
Josh Dolan (foot)
Laitham Vandermeer (Achilles)
Bailey Dale (knee)
Ryan Gardner (groin)
Zac Walker (ankle)
Ryley Sanders (concussion)
Sam Darcy (soreness)

*Last updated: 02/03