TAYLOR Adams, Tom Mitchell, Stephen Hill, Joe Daniher, Cal Ward ... There are some big names already on the injury list and a ball hasn't even been bounced. Who will be right for R1, and who is struggling? We find out when your wounded stars will be back.

ADELAIDE

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Luke Brown Ankle 6-8 weeks
 Will Hamill Finger TBC
 Andrew McPherson Illness TBC
 Paul Seedsman Finger 1 week
Updated: Thursday, March 21

Early prognosis

The Crows have just about a full list to choose from for the start of the season. Seedsman will miss a week after having surgery to repair a fractured finger, while Brown is making steady progress in his recovery from left ankle surgery. Jordan Gallucci (foot), Elliott Himmelberg (foot) and Shane McAdam (managed) will play in a SANFL trial against Port Adelaide on Friday night. Draftee Hamill will miss the SANFL trial with a fractured finger, while McPherson has a virus. - Lee Gaskin

BRISBANE

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Marcus Adams Knee 2 weeks
 Tom Fullarton Hamstring Test
 Darcy Gardiner Knee Test
 Connor McFadyen Foot Test
 Jack Payne Shin 4-5 weeks
 Nick Robertson Hamstring Test
 Brandon Starcevich Hamstring 8 weeks
Updated: Wednesday, March 20

Early prognosis

Gardiner is almost certain to win a place to play the Eagles after two strong weeks of training. Although he hasn't played either JLT Community Series match, the defender is one of the club's most reliable players, and barring any mishaps, should be selected. Robertson will play in a NEAFL practice match, while Adams is running well and is only a couple of weeks away from being available. - Michael Whiting 

CARLTON

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Sam Docherty Knee Indefinite
 Matthew Kennedy Shoulder 1 week
 Matthew Kreuzer Knee 1-2 weeks
 Darcy Lang Foot TBC
 Harrison Macreadie Back TBC
 Caleb Marchbank Back 2-3 weeks
 Jarrod Pickett Knee Indefinite
 Tom Williamson Back TBC
Updated: Wednesday, March 19

Early prognosis

Kennedy and Kreuzer remain a week or two away with shoulder and knee problems, respectively. Marchbank is a couple of weeks behind them as he continues his recovery from a back problem. LangMacreadie and Williamson are no chance for round one, though no timeline has yet been placed on their returns. - Riley Beveridge

COLLINGWOOD

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Taylor Adams Finger 3 weeks
 Tim Broomhead  Leg   1-2 weeks
 Jordan De Goey Foot Available
 Lynden Dunn Knee 3 weeks
 Will Hoskin-Elliott Knee 4 weeks
 Tom Langdon Concussion Available
 Sam Murray Provisional ASADA suspension TBC
 Ben Reid Quad 2-3 weeks
 Matt Scharenberg Knee 10 weeks
 Jaidyn Stephenson Groin Available
 Daniel Wells Foot 4 weeks
Updated: Wednesday, March 20

Early prognosis

De Goey, Stephenson and Langdon are fit for the round one clash with Geelong, but Hoskin-Elliott, Adams and Murphy will be sidelined for the opening rounds. Dunn is back in full training and so is Broomhead, while Wells should join them soon. Reid is running following another soft-tissue problem while a longer-term view will be taken with Scharenberg as he returns from a third knee reconstruction. - Ben Collins

ESSENDON

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Josh Begley Knee TBC
 Joe Daniher Calf 5 weeks
 Matt Dea Knee 4 weeks
 Dyson Heppell Hamstring Available
 Cale Hooker Calf 4 weeks
 Martin Gleeson Ankle Available
 Tom Jok Concussion Test
 Zach Merrett Ankle Available
 Kobe Mutch Ankle TBC
 Mason Redman Ankle Available
Updated: Tuesday, March 19

Early prognosis

More bad news for Daniher with the gun forward sidelined for up to six weeks with a calf injury. Merrett (ankle), Heppell (hamstring) and Fantasia (corked quad) will be all fit for round one after being on a minutes restriction against the Cats in the last JLT Communtiy Series game. Gleeson and Redman (both ankles) will play in a VFL practice match this week. - Ben Guthrie

FREMANTLE

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Harley Bennell Calf TBC
 Connor Blakely Hamstring 5 weeks
 Brennan Cox Hamstring 4 weeks
 Hugh Dixon Hip 1-2 weeks
 Bradley Hill Calf Test
 Stephen Hill Quad 2-4 weeks
 Jesse Hogan Mental health TBC
 Shane Kersten Foot TBC
 Griffin Logue Hamstring Test
 Brandon Matera Suspension Round 1
 Aaron Sandilands Calf TBC
 Sam Switkowski Hamstring 1 week
 Matt Taberner Calf Test
 Luke Valente Groin 2 weeks
 Updated: Tuesday, March 19

Early prognosis

The Dockers' depth will be seriously tested early in the season and after seemingly being spoilt for choice with tall targets in attack they are now without Hogan, Cox, Dixon and Kersten, although they are hopeful Taberner will be available after a minor calf setback. Bradley Hill is all but certain to be fit to face North Melbourne after sustaining a corked calf, while Logue is hopeful of returning from a strained hamstring in the first JLT match against Collingwood. Travis King 

GEELONG

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Jed Bews Groin Test
 Nakia Cockatoo Adductor Test
 Lachie Fogarty Hip 1-2 weeks
 Esava Ratugolea Finger Test
 Scott Selwood Hamstring 3-5 weeks
 Zac Smith Knee 1-2 weeks
 Zach Tuohy Knee 1-2 weeks
Updated: Monday, March 18

Early prognosis

Scans have confirmed Selwood strained his hamstring in the VFL practice match on Friday night against Werribee. Described as "medium term" by the Cats, he won't be seen in the first month of the season. Ratugolea hasn't missed any load into his legs after dislocating his finger at training. Sporting a cast, the power forward will need to prove his fitness ahead of Friday night. Bews is a chance to play some minutes in the VFL practice match against Collingwood on Friday. - Mitch Cleary

GOLD COAST

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Josh Corbett Knee 1-2 weeks
 Sean Lemmens Ankle 4-6 weeks
 Jack Leslie Knee 1-2 weeks
 Izak Rankine Hamstring 5-7 weeks
 Josh Schoenfeld Ankle 2-4 weeks
 Rory Thompson Knee Season
 Harrison Wigg Knee Season
 Aaron Young Ankle 1-2 weeks
Updated: Tuesday, March 19

Early prognosis

A couple of glimmers of hope for Gold Coast after a rough fortnight with news Young will miss just one or two weeks with the ankle injury suffered against Sydney. Richmond recruit Corey Ellis has also worked his way off the list following groin surgery and will be available to play a practice match against QAFL team Palm Beach on Sunday morning. - Michael Whiting

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Jye Caldwell Groin 1-2 weeks
 Aidan Corr Groin Test
 Nick Haynes Back Test
 Zac Langdon Foot 3-4 weeks
 Shane Mumford Suspended Round 3
 Jon Patton Knee 8-10 weeks
 Callan Ward Knee 3-4 weeks
Updated: Tuesday, March 19

Early prognosis

Haynes trained on Tuesday but looks to have missed too much training to be considered for Sunday's clash with Essendon. Ward still has a brace on his knee and looks a month away, while Langdon is off his crutches and is working hard in the pool. Corr (groin) is also on light duties as he continues his way back from groin issues. - Adam Curley

HAWTHORN

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Grant Birchall  Calf  Indefinite
 Kaiden Brand Ankle Available
 Jack Gunston ITB soreness Test
 Daniel Howe Hip Available
 Darren Minchington Hamstring 4-6 weeks
 Tom Mitchell Leg Season
 Tom Scully Ankle 2-3 weeks
 Chad Wingard Calf 1 week
Updated: Tuesday, March 19

Early prognosis

The big news is recruit Scully is now listed as a few weeks away from making his return to the field. The ex-Giant has been building his training loads slowly since crossing over to Hawthorn, and barring any setbacks we could see him make a senior debut between rounds four to six. In not so good news though, Birchall has had a setback in his return from a knee injury, and will now be managed cautiously as he tries to overcome a calf complaint. Vice-captain Gunston should be available to face the Crows in the season opener at Adelaide Oval.Nat Edwards

MELBOURNE

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Jeff Garlett Shoulder 2-3 weeks
 Mitch Hannan Knee 6-10 weeks
 James Harmes Finger Test
 Kade Kolodjashnij Adductor 3 weeks
 Jay Kennedy Harris Leg 10-12 weeks
 Jake Lever  Knee  6-10 weeks
 Steven May Suspension Round 2
 Aaron Nietschke Knee Season
 Braydon Preuss Groin Test
 Joel Smith Groin 4-6 weeks
 Tim Smith Calf 2 weeks
 Aaron vandenBerg Ankle 4 weeks
 Jack Viney Corked iliotibial band Test
 Guy Walker Shoulder Indefinite
Updated: Wednesday, March 20

Early prognosis

Viney was on light duties during a one-hour 'flush' session at training on Monday, so will need to step it up on Wednesday to prove his fitness for Saturday's game against the Power. Harmes (finger) did not train and will be monitored carefully this week before being declared fit to play. Harmes had surgery so the call will need to be made whether he can handle the ball comfortably and without pain. Joel Smith (groin) and Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) could both miss several weeks, while Walker will miss most of the season with nerve damage in his shoulder. – Ben Guthrie

NORTH MELBOURNE

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Jed Anderson Hamstring TBC
 Tom Campbell Suspension Round two
 Majak Daw Pelvis/hips Indefinite
 Sam Durdin Finger 3-5 weeks
 Ben Jacobs Sinusitis Indefinite
 Jamie Macmillan Calf Test
 Tom McKenzie  Back TBC
 Robbie Tarrant             AC joint     Test
 Scott Thompson Suspended Round two
 Will Walker PCL TBC
 Marley Williams Calf Test
 Sam Wright Quad Test
 Tristan Xerri Osteitis pubis TBC
Updated: Tuesday, March 19

Early prognosis

Senior regulars Wright and Anderson won't play against Fremantle on Sunday, with the former suffering his injury in the Roos' JLT Community Series finale. Anderson didn't appear in either of the Roos' JLT matches and has a history with hamstring issues. Macmillan, Tarrant and Williams are on track to face the Dockers, while forgotten forward Taylor Garner made an impressive return from his hamstring issues in a VFL practice match on Saturday.Marc McGowan

PORT ADELAIDE

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Joe Atley Knee Available
 Matthew Broadbent Hamstring TBC
 Charlie Dixon Leg/ankle TBC
 Riley Grundy Knee TBC
 Sam Hayes Knee TBC
 Jarrod Lienert Knee TBC
 Jake Patmore Knee Season
 Paddy Ryder Cheekbone Available
 Ollie Wines Shoulder 2-3 weeks
Updated: Thursday, March 21

Early prognosis

Ryder has been given the all clear to take on Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday. The ruckman will wear headgear to protect his cheekbone. Co-captain Wines looks set to miss at least the first two rounds in his recovery from shoulder surgery. Vice-captain Hartlett will play in a SANFL trial game on Friday night in his first game back from a torn ACL, while young midfielder Atley (knee) will also resume with the Port Adelaide Magpies. Broadbent will miss the SANFL game after experiencing hamstring tightness at training. The club isn't putting a timeframe on the return of key forward Dixon, who had a clean-out of his right ankle on Tuesday afternoon. He's likely to miss at least the first month of the season and possibly longer. Defender Lienert is sidelined with medial damage to his knee sustained in the second JLT Community Series game against North Melbourne. - Lee Gaskin

RICHMOND

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Josh Caddy Ankle Indefinite
 Jason Castagna Ankle Test
 Ryan Garthwaite Achilles Test
 Shaun Grigg Knee Indefinite
 Tom Lynch PCL Test
 Jacob Townsend Thigh Test
Updated: Tuesday, March 19

Early prognosis

Mystery surrounds whether high-profile recruit Lynch will be right for round one, with the player himself suggesting at the club's season launch he may even play VFL. The trio of Castagna, Garthwaite and Townsend are expected to play managed minutes in Thursday afternoon's VFL practice match, while Grigg and Caddy remain quite some way off. - Sarah Black

ST KILDA

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Nathan Brown Suspended Round 2
 Jack Bytel Back Season
 Jake Carlisle Back Indefinite
 Oscar Clavarino Ankle 3-5 weeks
 Dan Hannebery Hamstring 2-4 weeks
 Max King Knee 8-10 weeks
 Doulton Langlands Hamstring Test
 Billy Longer Hamstring 1-2 weeks
 Paddy McCartin Concussion TBC
 Dylan Roberton Heart Season
 Jack Steven Mental health Test
Updated: Tuesday, March 19

Early prognosis

Steven has the tick from a mental health perspective, but needs to prove his physical fitness. The build-up continues for Hannebery, who has experienced hamstring tightness when he's increased his training loads. McCartin faces more tests after his eighth concussion since 2014.Dinny Navaratnam

SYDNEY

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Lance Franklin Groin Test
 Matthew Ling Toe Indefinite
 Jack Maibaum Knee Season
 Daniel Menzel Groin 1-2 weeks
 Sam Naismith Knee 4-6 weeks
 Nick Smith Illness / hamstring  2-3 weeks
 Durak Tucker Knee Indefinite
Updated: Tuesday, March 19

 Early prognosis

Franklin trained strongly again on Tuesday and could be available to face the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night, if he gets through Thursday's closed session. Isaac Heeney (ankle), Oliver Florent (foot) and Kieren Jack (knee) are all cleared to play with Heeney and Florent certain to face the Dogs. Jack could take part on limited minutes in a NEAFL scratch match on Saturday after missing most of the pre-season after surgery. Menzel is slightly behind Franklin but could push his case for his first game in Swans colours at some level in the next fortnight. - Adam Curley

 

WEST COAST

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Jarrod Cameron Foot 1-2 weeks
 Jamie Cripps Toe Test
 Andrew Gaff Suspended Round 3
 Josh Kennedy Foot Test
 Nic Naitanui Knee Indefinite
 Brodie Riach Wrist Test
 Will Schofield Quad 1 week
Updated: Tuesday, March 19

Early prognosis

Kennedy missed Monday's skills session at Optus Stadium after taking part in an intraclub last Friday and needs to get through a fitness test on Wednesday to put his hand up for the trip to face Brisbane. Cripps has been ruled out of the season opener but trained fully on Monday ahead of a potential round two return. Schofield is back training after a nasty corked quad suffered nearly a month ago but needs to build his fitness base again before becoming available. Travis King

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Player

Injury

Estimated Return

 Tom Boyd Back 5-7 weeks
 Ben Cavarra Quad 1-2 weeks
 Bailey Dale Ankle 1-2 weeks
 Jason Johannisen Ankle 2-4 weeks
 Lin Jong Hamstring 3-5 weeks
 Buku Khamis Knee 3-5 weeks
 Dale Morris Knee Indefinite
 Liam Picken Concussion Indefinite
 Laitham Vandermeer Hamstring 3-5 weeks
 Lukas Webb Neck 2-4 weeks
Updated: Tuesday, March 19

Early prognosis

Morris has avoided surgery despite suffering an ACL injury at training on Friday and is determined to return as early as mid-year. Johannisen is still looking to build towards the early rounds following a lighter program, while Dale is also recovering from an ankle concern. Vandermeer’s hamstring puts him out of frame for at least a month, the same for the more experienced Jong. Boyd and Picken remain longer term propositions. - Paul Bastin

*Placed on the club's long-term injury list