AFLW injury list, R3: Breakout Dee a test, Pies woes worsen, Swans eye top-ups
Check out how your AFLW team is tracking ahead of round three
Mia Austin reacts to an injury during round two, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos/Getty Images
SYDNEY is staring down the barrel of top-up players after just two matches, after a host of players pulled up sore following its win over Essendon.
Star recruit Taylor Smith has broken her wrist, while Laura Gardiner (foot), Holly Cooper (elbow) and Ash Van Loon (calf) are all tests.
The Swans currently have eight players on its injury list, and if they still have seven or more unavailable by Saturday's game, they will require top-ups either as emergencies or on the field.
Collingwood midfielder Mattea Breed will miss at least one week after undergoing surgery to remove her appendix, while teammate and key back Maisie Nankivell has suffered a huge blow, with scans revealing she's facing 8-12 weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Georgia Garnett reacts to an injury during round two, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos/Getty Images
Star midfielder Amy McDonald is set for a stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, but Geelong has not yet confirmed the expected duration.
Scans have shown good news for Narrm recruit Mia Austin, who will be a test for this weekend with an ankle complaint, as will late withdrawal Lauren Pearce (knee) and Maeve Chaplin (foot).
It's mixed news for Greater Western Sydney, with Georgia Garnett (shoulder, test) escaping serious injury after a heavy collision, but livewire Zarlie Goldsworthy has suffered a setback in her return from a leg fracture, which hasn't healed at the expected rate.
Jasmine Fleming has been cleared to return for Hawthorn, having been a late withdrawal last weekend with hamstring soreness.
Essendon is a chance to welcome back Daria Bannister (knee) and Sophie Van De Heuvel (hamstring) for the first time this year, but will be without former All-Australian defender Maddi Gay, who has suffered a shoulder injury. A timeline will be set after further consultation with a surgeon.
Walyalup key back Ash Brazill has been sidelined after developing concussion symptoms, but tall forward Georgie Brisbane is a chance to return, overcoming a broken hand suffered in pre-season.
The Western Bulldogs have suffered a double blow, with veterans De Berry (collarbone) and Ellie Blackburn (hamstring, 4-6 weeks) joining the injury list.
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