With Round 1 only days away, all the latest injury news is crucial to forming your AFL Fantasy and SuperCoach starting squads, with updates on Sean Darcy, Jackson Macrae, Zak Butters and many more.
UPDATES
Fremantle have confirmed the injury status of ruckman Sean Darcy (knee) amid speculation, potentially impacting Luke Jackson’s role as lead ruck.
Dockers High Performance Manager Phil Merriman said: “The plan is to have Sean back up and out there playing in 3-4 weeks.”
Heath Chapman, who had been slated for a wing role likely to be picked up by Jeremy Sharp, is listed as 4 weeks with a hamstring injury that saw him travel to Qatar.
The Western Bulldogs didn’t list Jackson Macrae in their injury update but coach Luke Beveridge offered an update in his Tuesday press conference. He said: “He had a strong (VFL) hit-out. He’s a bit behind as far as match practice goes. We’ll consider Jack but if we feel he’s not quite ready due to his preparation he more than likely won’t be in the team.”
The Dogs revealed Bailey Dale will be a test for their Round 1 game due to hamstring tightness.
Richmond confirmed Tom Lynch, Dustin Martin and Toby Nankervis will all be available for selection for Thursday night’s clash with Carlton, the latter potentially impacting Sam Naismith’s selection.
The Tigers said in an update: “Ruck Nankervis has recovered from a foot issue in time to be available for the Round 1 game, after sitting out of the Tigers’ two pre-season games and Saturday’s match against Gold Coast.”
St Kilda provided the latest on Jack Sinclair’s bid to be available for Round 1 following a calf injury, having spent the past week on a modified program. EGM Football David Misson said: “We’ll give Jack every opportunity to put his hand up for selection this week.”
Essendon have declared that Darcy Parish will miss Round 1 due to a minor hamstring issue. The club’s injury report said: “Tweaked his hamstring during training last week and despite initial hopes that he would be right to play against the Hawks this Saturday, further medical consultation today confirmed that he won’t get up for the round one fixture.”
Port confirmed Zak Butters (ankle) has returned to full training and been removed from their injury list. Port assistant coach Josh Carr said: “Yeah you can lock in Butters. I don’t think you can really hold him back. He’s done all the work and all the preparation. I think he’s ready to go.”
Hawthorn revealed Dylan Moore could play in Round 1 following glandular fever in pre-season. Hawthorn High Performance Manager Peter Burge said: “(He) fully trained on the weekend and this morning (Tuesday). Dylan has one more session to get through… but it’s all really positive at this stage, but we’ll make a final call on Thursday (come team selection).”
Sydney offered an update on Taylor Adams’ knee injury. The update said: “Taylor is now out of the leg brace and moving well from the lateral ligament sprain he suffered against Brisbane. He is expected to miss 2-3 weeks.”
Swans coach John Longmire added: “He’s ok. He’s still a couple of weeks away. He’s out of the brace so he’s getting around the place alright, but he’d just love to be out there playing and training. He’s not able to do that just yet.”
Charlie Dean’s job security may be impacted by Jeremy Howe’s fitness with Collingwood stating the latter “will be assessed on his fitness after tomorrow’s main training session, as he continues his recovery from a calf injury. Howe has shown improvement and has been able to complete some high-level running sessions over the past week.”
GWS revealed rookie Darcy Jones is closing in on a return following illness. The Giants injury update said: “Jones will continue to increase his training loads and expected to play minutes in the GIANTS’ VFL practice match on Saturday as the exciting 2022 draft prospect edges towards a potential AFL debut.”
GWS also revealed Isaac Cumming’s return from injury will be delayed having hurt his calf at training, meaning he’s listed as 4-6 weeks. That may impact Jacob Wehr’s selection.
West Coast said rookie Clay Hall is a test to play this week following an ankle injury in a pre-season intraclub game, while Reuben Ginbey has cleared concussion protocols to be available too.
Suns rookie Jed Walter is “two weeks away from a return from his fractured collarbone”.
