Check out the injury updates from all 18 clubs.
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Hugh Bond | Hamstring | Test |
| Jordon Butts | Calf/Achilles | 1-2 weeks |
| Wayne Milera | Hamstring | Test |
| James Peatling | Hip/groin | TBC |
| Luke Pedlar | Hamstring | 3 weeks |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
Vice-captain Alex Neal-Bullen is set to return after missing last Friday's loss to Fremantle following the birth of his second child, with veteran forward Taylor Walker also expected to face GWS on Saturday night after being managed against the Dockers but travelling with the team. Milera shapes as an important inclusion if he can get through training on Wednesday night to prove his fitness. How the Crows structure their ruck department will be interesting after a quiet game from Toby Murray, with coach Matthew Nicks indicating that handing some back-up ruck duties to Riley Thilthorpe would be a consideration. Charlie Edwards was a star in the SANFL with 27 disposals, seven clearances and 11 inside 50s to push his case, while defender Mitch Hinge played three quarters to build his fitness. Defender Bond will push for selection if he can complete main training on Wednesday. – Nathan Schmook
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Hugh McCluggage | Calf | 1 week |
| Jack Payne | Knee | Season |
| Henry Smith | Foot | Season |
| Reece Torrent | Ankle | Season |
| Zane Zakostelsky | Knee | Season |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
Ty Gallop has served his three-match suspension, leaving the Lions with a difficult decision ahead of Friday night’s match against Collingwood. With no more VFL games left, does the young defender come straight back into the 23 at the expense of Darcy Gardiner or Ryan Lester or does he remain on the sidelines? Bruce Reville has also been excellent in the reserves and would come under consideration for a recall. - Michael Whiting
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Carroll | Knee | Season |
| Campbell Chesser | Knee | Season |
| Nick Haynes | Ankle | Test |
| Will Hayward | Ankle | 1 week |
| Rob Monahan | Shoulder | Season |
| Jesse Motlop | Knee | Season |
| Nic Newman | Hamstring | 4-5 weeks |
| Harry O'Farrell | Knee | Season |
| Zac Williams | Larynx | 1-2 weeks |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
The Blues are hopeful Hayward will return for a wildcard game, but he'll miss Saturday's clash against the Dockers. Ollie Hollands (31 disposals, one goal) will be a chance to take his place after impressing in the VFL. Lachie Fogarty (25 disposals, seven tackles) and Flynn Young (22 disposals, nine marks) will also be in contention, while Jack Ison was an emergency at AFL level. Haynes is also in doubt, with Lewis Young and Jordan Boyd both emergencies last week and likely to be on standby. - Riley Beveridge
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Jamie Elliott | Knee | Season |
| Jeremy Howe | Arm | Test |
| Tew Jiath | Hamstring | Season |
| Pat Lipinski | Calf | 1 week |
| Brayden Maynard | Knee/hamstring | Test |
| Reef McInnes | Knee | Season |
| Darcy Moore | Hamstring | Season |
| Harry Perryman | Hamstring | 2-3 weeks |
| Steele Sidebottom | Illness | Test |
| Oscar Steene | Knee | Season |
| Isaac Quaynor | Glute/hip | 1 week |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
The Pies will be forced into at least one change for Friday night's clash against Brisbane with Quaynor sidelined. But Howe, Maynard and Sidebottom could be available with all eyes on main training on Wednesday when they will look to prove their fitness. Collingwood is very likely to finish in a wildcard spot, raising the possibility of the Magpies potentially managing any sore players for the final round. Jai Saxena (five goals) and Mitch Podhajski (four) combined for nine goals in the VFL, while Tyan Prindable (22 disposals, nine clearances and a goal), Harry DeMattia (26) and Harrison Coe (15, six clearances and 44 hitouts) also had solid games. – Dejan Kalinic
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Durham | Soreness | Season |
| Xavier Duursma | Hamstring | Season |
| Brayden Fiorini | Back | Season |
| Lewis Hayes | Knee | Season |
| Nic Martin | Knee | Season |
| Archie May | Shoulder | Season |
| Darcy Parish | Calf | Season |
| Jordan Ridley | Foot | Season |
| Sullivan Robey | Knee | Season |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
The Bombers will again be without Durham for Sunday’s clash against Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium due to soreness, but Zach Merrett has been cleared to play after taking a knock to his eye in the loss to Sydney. Parish won't return from his calf injury this season. Essendon qualified for VFL finals but has this weekend off. Jade Gresham (13 disposals and five goals), Elijah Tsatas (37 disposals, nine clearances and a goal) and Tom Edwards (22 and three goals) led the way at state league level. – Dejan Kalinic
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Sean Darcy | Calf | Test |
| Jaeger O'Meara | Ankle | Test |
| Murphy Reid | Groin | Test |
| Aiden Riddle | Ankle | Test |
| Sam Sturt | Hamstring | TBC |
| Corey Wagner | Hip | Test |
| Brandon Walker | Shoulder | Test |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
Half-back Judd McVee was dropped last week to accommodate a tall backline, but an immediate recall looms if the Dockers want to revert to their usual structure ahead of finals. Ruckman Darcy trained fully after an injury scare in the WAFL and is expected to be available, but young star Reid is unlikely to return this week as he recovers from a knock to the groin area. The Dockers want to play their best available side against Carlton, but if they do choose to manage specific players there is depth at the ready, including midfielder Jeremy Sharp (33 disposals and seven inside 50s in the WAFL) and key defender Hugh Davies (23 and seven marks). O'Meara, Wagner and Walker are also pushing to return after injury layoffs. Young wingman Toby Whan (25 and eight inside 50s) and first-year forward Tobyn Murray (15 and two goals) were emergencies in round 23 and impressed in the WAFL. – Nathan Schmook
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Harley Barker | Knee | TBC |
| Jeremy Cameron | AC joint | Test |
| Toby Conway | Foot/Knee | Season |
| Sam De Koning | Knee | Test |
| Max Holmes | Ankle | 2-4 weeks |
| Keighton Matofai-Forbes | Finger | 1-3 weeks |
| Oli Wiltshire | Foot | Test |
| James Worpel | Hamstring | 2-4 weeks |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
Jack Martin is set to return after being managed against North Melbourne, while Worpel is expected to spend two to four weeks out with a right hamstring strain suffered late in the same match. Cameron and De Koning must pass fitness tests to face Richmond, with Wiltshire similarly listed as a test following a foot sprain. Meanwhile, Holmes has commenced running, Matofai-Forbes has joined non-contact training ahead of a potential VFL finals return, and Jake Kolodjashnij has been ruled out for AFL selection on Saturday. - Emily Patterson
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Collins | Ribs | Test |
| Alex Davies | Foot | Season |
| Will Graham | Shoulder | Season |
| Elliott Himmelberg | Knee | Season |
| Christian Petracca | Foot | Season |
| Wil Powell | Shoulder | Season |
| Lachie Weller | Hamstring | Season |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
With Petracca and Powell both finishing their seasons early, the Suns need to make a few changes ahead of facing St Kilda on Thursday night. Nick Holman will play his 154th and final career game after announcing his retirement earlier in the week, while Jai Murray and Zeke Uwland played well in the VFL at the weekend and could add to their first season games tallies. If Collins fails to get up from his rib problem, Oscar Adams would be a chance to take his place in defence. - Michael Whiting
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Leek Aleer | Groin | Season |
| Toby Bedford | Back | Test |
| Jack Buckley | Calf | Season |
| Finn Callaghan | Ankle | Season |
| Brent Daniels | Calf | Season |
| Phoenix Gothard | Shoulder | Season |
| Tom Green | Knee | Season |
| Jesse Hogan | Finger | Season |
| Darcy Jones | Knee | Season |
| Josh Kelly | Hip | Season |
| Jayden Laverde | Lung | Season |
| James Leake | Leg | Season |
| Xavier O'Halloran | Hamstring | Test |
| Logan Smith | Knee | Season |
| Nathan Wardius | Knee | Season |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
Bedford and O’Halloran could both return for Saturday’s season-closer against Adelaide, provided they clear this week’s training schedule and prove their fitness. Bedford was an extremely late withdrawal against West Coast after irritating his back injury from round 22. - Emily Patterson
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Cody Anderson | Hamstring | TBC |
| Noah Mraz | Kidney | 1 week |
| Conor Nash | Neck | Season |
| Flynn Perez | Groin | 1 week |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
The Hawks are virtually at full strength heading into the last round of the home and away season as they look to recapture some form before the finals. Defender Mraz, who made an impressive start to his AFL career before a kidney injury, is on track to be available for the first week of VFL finals, which coincides with the AFL's wildcard round. Bodie Ryan played a blinder for Box Hill last week with 34 disposals and nine marks, while Finn Maginness (25 disposals, five tackles) and Ned Reeves (13, two goals, 25 hitouts) could also be considered if Sam Mitchell wants to make changes against West Coast. Youngsters Cam Nairn (21 disposals, three goals), Aidan Schubert (15, three), Will McCabe (21, one), Ollie Greeves (26), Calsher Dear (13, one) and Jack Dalton (20, one) all played well in the VFL. - Brandon Cohen
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Jed Adams | Knee | Season |
| Jai Culley | Knee | Season |
| Blake Howes | Arm | 2-3 weeks |
| Thomas Matthews | Shoulder | Season |
| Brody Mihocek | Neck | Season |
| Andy Moniz-Wakefield | Knee | Season |
| Jacob van Rooyen | Suspension | 3 weeks |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
The Demons have a decision to make on how best to replace suspended spearhead van Rooyen. Swingman Tom McDonald was reportedly training with the forward group on Tuesday with his switch from defence into attack possibly in the Dees' plans. Veteran forward Jake Melksham has been solid at the lower level, finishing with 3.3 from 15 disposals, seven marks and three tackles on the weekend and could come into the side, while a more like-for-like replacement would be Aidan Johnson (three behinds from 15 disposals, five marks), who has played just the one senior game in 2026. On return from injury, Jack Viney (19 touches, 10 clearances, one goal) and youngster Xavier Lindsay (23 disposals, six marks three clearances) both performed well for Casey. However, coach Steven King hinted that there would be minimal change to the Dees' side ahead of the clash with the Dogs - saying "I am really mindful as well of respecting the group and team at the moment that have got us in this position" - so it appears the duo are unlikely to be recalled. - Alison O'Connor
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson Archer | Knee | Season |
| Zane Duursma | Shoulder | Season |
| Robert Hansen jnr | Wrist | Season |
| Jacob Konstanty | Illness | Season |
| Toby Pink | Shoulder | Season |
| Harry Sheezel | Cheekbone | Season |
| Blake Thredgold | Foot | Season |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
The Kangas will lose Sheezel for Sunday's season-finale against the Swans, but Luke McDonald (calf) is available for selection. Bailey Scott (41 disposals, seven clearances) and Cooper Harvey (43 disposals, six tackles) were among the most prolific performers in the VFL over the weekend, while mid-season recruit Ollie Griffin (10 disposals, three goals) impressed again to stake his claim for an AFL debut. Josh Goater and Matt Whitlock were among the emergencies and are likely to be considered. - Riley Beveridge
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Aliir Aliir | Concussion | Season |
| Zak Butters | Ankle | Test |
| Logan Evans | Shoulder | Season |
| Kane Farrell | Groin | Season |
| Jason Horne-Francis | Knee | Season |
| Mani Liddy | Hip | Season |
| Ollie Lord | Knee | Season |
| Jack Lukosius | Baker's cyst | Season |
| Ewan Mackinlay | Knee | Season |
| Sam Powell-Pepper | Training block | Season |
| Esava Ratugolea | Knee | Season |
| Connor Rozee | Hamstring | Season |
| Josh Sinn | Shoulder | Season |
| Jack Watkins | Hamstring | Season |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
All eyes are on Butters and whether he gets one final game for Port before making his free agency decision. The champion midfielder is listed as a test as he recovers from a syndesmosis injury. With Aliir to miss the final round of the season against Essendon, Harrison Ramm could be given another opportunity to show his wares at senior level. Darcy Byrne-Jones is back from his one-match suspension, adding some experience to Josh Carr’s team that will miss midfield ace Horne-Francis, while Christian Moraes was excellent in the SANFL at the weekend. - Michael Whiting
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Jasper Alger | Ankle soreness | Season |
| Noah Balta | Toe | Season |
| Sam Cumming | Ankle/shoulder | Season |
| Jonty Faull | Back | Season |
| Josh Gibcus | ACL strain | Season |
| Jacob Hopper | Ankle | Season |
| Sam Lalor | Knee soreness | Season |
| Rhyan Mansell | Foot | Season |
| Tom Sims | Toe | Season |
| Josh Smillie | Quad | Season |
| Kaleb Smith | Quad | Season |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
Dion Prestia and Nathan Broad have retired and will come out of the side, as will Lalor, who has been put in cotton wool for the final game of the season. Intercept defender Campbell Gray now has a few VFL matches under his belt, and should be ready to replace Broad in the ones, while James Trezise is another option, albeit more of a rebounder. Kane McAuliffe (28 touches, nine clearances) should be a front-runner for Prestia’s spot in the 23, with Tyler Sonsie (22) in the mix. Samson Ryan (four goals) was also among Richmond’s VFL best. - Sarah Black
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| James Barrat | Foot | Season |
| Sam Flanders | Achilles | Season |
| Max King | Hamstring | Season |
| Patrick Said | Concussion | Season |
| Jack Sinclair | Calf | Season |
| Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera | Hamstring | Season |
| Mason Wood | Calf | Season |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
The Saints' finals chances are over, but they will celebrate Brad Hill's 300th game when they host Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night. Both teams are coming off five-day breaks so there could be some rotation, with Liam Ryan and Hunter Clark both managed for last week's win over Richmond. Liam Henry (32 disposals, nine clearances and a goal), Kye Fincher (29) and Jack Carroll (26) were among the Saints' best in the VFL. – Dejan Kalinic
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Joel Amartey | Achilles | 2 weeks |
| Noah Chamberlain | Hamstring | 3-4 weeks |
| Will Edwards | Leg | Season |
| Tom Hanily | Ankle | Test |
| Liam Hetherton | Back | Season |
| Max King | Back | Season |
| Peter Ladhams | Groin | TBC |
| Hayden McLean | Concussion | 1 week |
| Justin McInerney | Hamstring | 2-3 weeks |
| James Rowbottom | Hand | Test |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
McInerney has experienced a setback in his recovery and will miss the next two to three weeks with a low-grade left hamstring strain suffered in training last week. In better news, Rowbottom is back in modified team training and aims to pass a fitness test this week after ramping up his workload. Meanwhile, two players picked up injuries in the VFL side’s 27-point loss to Essendon: McLean has entered concussion protocols, sidelining him for at least a week, while Hanily is a test to play this weekend after spraining his ankle. - Emily Patterson
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Allen | Knee/hamstring | Season |
| Tyler Brockman | Hamstring | Season |
| Harry Edwards | Concussion | Season |
| Oliver Francou | Knee laceration | 2 weeks |
| Reuben Ginbey | Quad | Season |
| Elijah Hewett | Corked calf | Test |
| Jack Hutchinson | Hamstring | Test |
| Noah Long | Knee | Season |
| Jake Miles-Wrency | Ankle/calf | Test |
| Jacob Newton | Foot | Season |
| Matt Owies | Knee | TBC |
| Archer Reid | Knee | Season |
| Deven Robertson | Knee | Season |
| Tylah Williams | Leg | Season |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
Wingman Bo Allan was managed for Sunday's loss to Greater Western Sydney, with the second-year Eagle an option to return this week after travelling with the team. Midfielder Finlay Macrae (31 disposals and five inside 50s in the WAFL) continued to apply pressure with a best-on-ground performance against Peel Thunder, while fellow pre-season selection and round 23 emergency Harry Schoenberg (23 and 10 tackles) also starred. The Eagles' WAFL team is playing to secure a finals spot in an added layer to selection decisions this week. Second-year half-back Lucca Grego has not played at AFL level since round 24 last season and could benefit from an opportunity. Midfielder Elijah Hewett did not play last week after suffering a corked calf in the WAFL but could also be called on if fit. On the injury front, Owies has suffered an MCL strain. – Nathan Schmook
| PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Connor Budarick | Ankle | Test |
| Nick Coffield | Concussion | 1-2 weeks |
| Bailey Dale | Shoulder | Test |
| Sam Darcy | Knee | Season |
| Tim English | Knee | 1-3 weeks |
| Riley Garcia | Hamstring | Season |
| Will Lewis | Calf | 2-3 weeks |
| Lachie Smith | Hamstring | 4-5 weeks |
| Adam Treloar | Calf | 3-4 weeks |
| Updated: August 18, 2026 | ||
In the mix
Defenders Dale and Budarick could return for the final home and away match against Melbourne, pending fitness tests. Dale hasn't played since round 18 after suffering shoulder injury, while Budarick continues to recover from a syndesmosis injury to his ankle. Coffield suffered a concussion in the Dogs' VFL match and has entered protocols. Skipper Marcus Bontempelli was rested against the Blues with an Achilles issue and may sit out another game ahead of a wildcard clash. - Alison O'Connor