Pre-season games are underway, offering some insights into injury updates across the AFL, with news on Callum Mills, Tom Green, Sam Lalor, Cam Guthrie, Rowan Marshall and more.
GWS premium midfielder Tom Green will miss his side’s start to the 2025 season after suffering a calf injury in their intra-club hit-out last week.
The Giants update said: “The 24-year-old was involved in Friday’s match simulation but played just one quarter before reporting calf soreness. Following the session, Green was sent for a scan, with the results determining the extent of the calf strain.
“Green is expected to be sidelined for the next 4-6 weeks and will therefore will miss the start of the GIANTS’ 2025 campaign.”
The other big injury news this week was top draft pick Sam Lalor going down with concussion but also a fractured jaw from Monday’s match sim against West Coast, although Richmond remain hopeful he’ll be available for Round 1.
The Tigers update said: “Scans have confirmed that Richmond midfielder/forward Sam Lalor has sustained an undisplaced hairline fracture of his jaw following a collision late in yesterday’s match simulation.
“Lalor will have surgery to aid his recovery, with a timeline of his return to play to be clearer at a later stage. It is still hoped that he will be available for the Round 1 game against Carlton on March 13.”
Richmond coach Adem Yze revealed cheap defender Josh Gibcus isn’t close to returning from his ACL injury. Yze told afl.com.au: “He is nowhere near round one, he won’t be ready.”
Under-priced midfielder Cam Guthrie is another one on the injury list, with Geelong confirming he’ll undergo surgery on his left Achilles.
Geelong Executive General Manager – Football Andrew Mackie said: “Our medical and high performance team are confident that surgery was the best step for Cameron to fully recover and give himself the best chance to perform.
“The aim for Cameron is to be back on the track in the next fortnight and integrated into football drills within the month. A return to play timeline will be finalised in the early stages of the season.”
Other notes:
Gold Coast
High draft pick Leo Lombard hurt his shoulder in the Suns’ match sim on Thursday. Gold Coast stand-in coach Shaun Grigg said: “We don’t know the severity of it just yet … hopefully it’s not too serious. Fingers crossed it’s not too bad and he’s back out there soon.”
From that Suns side, Daniel Rioli (knee), Sam Flanders (back) and Touk Miller (knee) were all managed.
Carlton
Sam Walsh remains on track to play at least one pre-season game despite a hamstring injury. Charlie Curnow underwent a procedure last week to remove a screw left over from a previous surgery. Nic Newman is out for the season with a patella injury.
Collingwood
Jordan De Goey didn’t play in their match sim against Brisbane and Gold Coast due to a knee issue, with the club citing “load management” and a “TBC return” timeline. Fin Macrae was out with a shoulder injury which will sideline him for 3-4 weeks.
Fremantle
Sean Darcy won’t play Round 1 as confirmed by Dockers Executive General Manager of Football Joe Brierty, who told 6PR: “He’ll build up probably over another week, have a two-week block of football training, and then be back in with the main group.
“We won’t see him in Round 1. The earlier rounds of the year—probably that round 3-to-5 block—is what we’re looking at. It’s really about how quickly he’ll pick back up following this infection and get back into his football load.”
Darcy’s absence may open the door for Liam Reidy to play lead ruck, or Luke Jackson to get more time in the middle.
Melbourne
Livewire forward Shane McAdam could miss most of the season after suffering an Achilles tendon injury at Dees’ training late last week.
Jack Viney is on a modified training program this week due to injury to his rib, while Caleb Windsor has been sidelined due to a skin infection on his foot.
St Kilda
The Saints clarified last week that ruckman Rowan Marshall is on track for Round 1 despite a “minor pre-season setback managing a pelvis issue”.
Sydney
Logan McDonald (ankle) won’t play in the Swans match sim while Callum Mills is absent too. The Swans put out an update on Friday on Mills, stating: “Callum is currently managing mild plantar fasciitis and will be a test to play against Gold Coast.”
West Coast
Elijah Hewett and Noah Long both played Monday’s match sim after long-term injuries in 2024.
Western Bulldogs
The Dogs confirmed earlier this week that Cody Weightman will miss 3 months due to knee surgery.
