The AFL injury report is looking more optimistic as clubs prepare for Round 15, following a period of mid-season byes. Teams are seeing improvements in their injury lists, with several key players nearing a return to the field.
Western Bulldogs Welcome Back Key Players
The Western Bulldogs are optimistic about the return of Aaron Naughton, Nick Coffield, and James Harmes for their Round 16 match against North Melbourne. Naughton has been progressing well with his knee rehabilitation, integrating back into football drills. Coffield, 12 weeks post-shoulder reconstruction, is close to returning, while Harmes is carefully easing back into high-end athletic tasks following his hamstring injury.
Collingwood and Carlton Bolstered by Returning Stars
Collingwood is looking to rebound from their second bye week with the hopeful return of Brody Mihocek, Scott Pendlebury, and Jordan De Goey for their Round 16 clash against Gold Coast. These key players have been missed and their return is expected to provide a significant boost. Carlton, on the other hand, is set to see Adam Cerra and Jack Martin back from hamstring and calf injuries, respectively. Both players have been absent since early May but are now “tracking well” according to teammate Sam Walsh.
GWS Giants and Adelaide Crows Strengthen Their Ranks
The GWS Giants are set to welcome back Stephen Coniglio and Lachie Ash for the Sydney Derby after they pass fitness tests. Coniglio has been dealing with a shoulder injury while Ash is coming off a six-week calf injury. Additionally, veteran Adam Kennedy is poised to make his first appearance in 14 months after an ACL injury. The Adelaide Crows are also expected to regain Taylor Walker, Riley Thilthorpe, and Elliott Himmelberg post-bye, with Walker overcoming a back injury.
West Coast Eagles and Essendon Prepare for Crucial Returns
West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen is set to return directly to the senior side after a knee injury, foregoing a stint in the WAFL. Midfielder Tim Kelly is expected to be out for another week due to a hip issue, with a potential Round 16 return against Hawthorn. Essendon is ready to reintegrate defender Mason Redman from a hamstring strain, while a decision on ruckman Sam Draper’s return from knee surgery is pending. The Bombers, however, face a setback with Kaine Baldwin’s fresh ankle injury, delaying his return by several weeks.
Gold Coast Suns and Fremantle Dockers Update
Gold Coast’s Ben King, after a knee scare, needs to prove his fitness to face Fremantle. Scans revealed no major damage, but his participation hinges on Thursday’s training performance. The Suns are also likely to have co-captain Jarrod Witts back from a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Fremantle’s Michael Walters will be out for up to four weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained in their recent match against the Western Bulldogs. Walters’ absence could create opportunities for other players in the team.
As clubs navigate the challenges of mid-season injuries, the return of these key players is set to influence the upcoming matches significantly, offering teams a much-needed boost as they head into the second half of the season.
