Catch up on all the latest injury news ahead of the season-starting Opening Round with the teams for Thursday night’s game to be confirmed on Wednesday.
Sydney vs Carlton
Harry Cunningham (quad) and Braeden Campbell (shin) won’t play, while Taylor Adams (Achilles) is available for selection.
Blues key defender Jacob Weitering is in the mix to play despite a rib injury in the Origin game. Carlton said: “Weitering has trained fully this week and is available for selection.”
Adam Cerra (hamstring) won’t play until Round 3-4, while Francis Evans (knee) and Nick Haynes (ankle) have been ruled out of Thursday’s opener too.
Gold Coast vs Geelong
The Suns have ruled out Matt Rowell until Round 4 at the earliest following finger surgery. GC SUNS Head Physiotherapist Andrew Weller said: “Matt underwent surgery on his finger after sustaining a fracture in the AFL Origin match.
“He will be unavailable at least until following our bye in Round 3, and we’ll be able to provide a clearer timeline on his return to play timeline after follow-up appointments.”
Bailey Smith (calf), Jeremy Cameron (quad) and Gryan Miers (thumb) are all listed as tests for this game, although coach Chris Scott indicated they’re all likely except for Miers.
On Miers, Scott said: “Maybe there is a little bit more doubt on Gryan at this stage, which will become clear pretty soon. I think it is also worth saying, we don’t have a very high tolerance for pushing guys that aren’t ready.
“Jeremy and Bailey will clearly be ready from a physical perspective and they will play. Gryan, it is one of those situations where I think 15 years ago he would be a certainty, maybe 25 years ago because it was a badge of honour playing with these things. We are much less tolerant of that stuff now.”
Rhys Stanley won’t play AFL on Friday, with Geelong holding him back to play in next week’s VFL practice game, which may open the door for Mitch Edwards.
Patrick Dangerfield may miss the game due to a calf injury. He told Fox Footy: “I couldn’t get to speed against Carlton [in the practice match] and the same thing today … we won’t take a risk that’s unnecessary, regardless of whether it’s Round 1.”
GWS Giants vs Hawthorn
GWS midfielder Finn Callaghan is expected to play after a minor hip flexor injury in pre-season, but Aaron Cadman (pelvis) has been ruled out. Brent Daniels (hamstring) is listed as 3-4 weeks.
Hawks defender Tom Barrass faces a test due to soreness. Cam Mackenzie has been ruled out due to concussion.
Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs
Cam Rayner is set to be available for the Lions despite groin soreness in pre-season. Sam Draper is “progressing well” and could play in Round 1 following a foot stress reaction.
Dogs defender Bailey Dale (knee) and key forward Sam Darcy (general soreness) will both face fitness tests ahead of Saturday’s game. Dogs Head of Sports Medicine Chris Bell said: “Bailey will train this week before we make a decision around his availability in coming days.”
On Darcy, Bell added: “To reduce the risk of Sam suffering prolonged issues related to this soreness, Sam didn’t play in Friday’s practice game and instead completed a football training session. Sam will be monitored across this week to determine his availability ahead of Opening Round against the Lions.”
Adam Treloar (calf) and Ryley Sanders (concussion) have been ruled out. The Dogs said: “Treloar will train on Wednesday before a return to play plan is finalised.”
St Kilda vs Collingwood
Jack Silvagni has exited concussion protocols and is in line to make his Saints debut. Callum Wilkie has been declared available after a corked calf in their AAMI Series game.
The Pies have ruled out Jeremy Howe (calf) and Darcy Moore (calf).
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Ben Somerford
