AFL injury list: The injuries ahead of round 23

Tom Naghten

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AFL injury list: The injuries ahead of round 23 image

Another round of AFL is in the books and another weekend of action lurks just around the corner.

We've got all the latest word on which of your club's players are due back soon and which ones are set for a spell on the sidelines.

This week, Collingwood and GWS welcome back guns, while Sydney could be without a superstar.

MORE: WATCH: Local footballer faces life ban, club may be deregistered after savage attacks in game

ADELAIDE INJURIES

The Crows can expect to be light on down back against Carlton, with Daniel Talia and Brodie Smith expected to miss yet again, while Alex Keath will need to prove his fitness after a hamstring complaint from the weekend's win over North. Taylor Walker and Kyle Hartigan both underwent surgery this week as they look to be fit for the start of pre-season.

BRISBANE INJURIES

Alex Witherden tweaked a hamstring in the win over Gold Coast and won't play the Eagles this weekend. The season is over for the rest of the injured Lions.

CARLTON INJURIES

Patrick Cripps and Charlie Curnow are nursing injuries but should be right to take on Adelaide as the Blues look for their third win of the season. Nick Graham (calf) is unlikely to play, while Jarrod Garlett (shoulder) will miss.

COLLINGWOOD INJURIES

Jeremy Howe appears to have overcome his badly corked thigh and could make the trip to face Fremantle on Saturday. Tyson Goldsack could also make a long-awaited return, though that would be in the VFL. Sam Murray's chances of playing aren't clear after he missed with personal reasons. Darcy Moore continues his recovery but won't play until the first week of finals at least, while Adam Treloar holds out hope of a return this season.

ESSENDON INJURIES

Tom Bellchambers' season is over after picking up a shoulder injury, while Anthony McDonald-Tipingwuti has shaken off his ankle complaint and should take on Port Adelaide. Matt Guelfi is in doubt with illness.

FREMANTLE INJURIES

 

Aaron Sandilands, Stephen Hill and Joel Hamling will all face fitness tests this week, but with only pride to play for, the Dockers may err on the side of caution.

GEELONG INJURIES

Jed Bews is a chance to feature after a couple of weeks out with a shoulder injury. Rhys Stanley won't play as he recovers from a calf injury but should be right for week one of the finals. George Horlin-Smith is a chance to feature at VFL level this week following a broken nose a fortnight ago.

GOLD COAST INJURIES

Ruckman Tom Nicholls could make a NEAFL return after four months out with a knee injury. Rory Thompson and Sean Lemmens will be tested ahead of the trip to Geelong.

GWS INJURIES

Josh Kelly will play against Melbourne after recovering from concussion. Sam Reid's has overcome his hamstring injury and should also be right to go. Phil Davis' back is a concern but the Giants are hopeful he'll be right, while Ryan Griffen is longer odds to play. Zac Williams dominated in his return at NEAFL level last week and is every chance to make his first senior appearance of the season against the Dees. GWS could welcome back Toby Greene, Brett Deledio, Matt de Boer, Aidan Corr and Sam Taylor for the first week of finals.


HAWTHORN INJURIES

Jarryd Roughead is back after an ankle injury, while Jonathan Ceglar (calf) and Ricky Henderson (hip) should also face the Swans on Saturday night. James Sicily will be given the fortnight before the first week of finals to recover from his wrist injury. Grant Birchall is unlikely to play at all this year.

MELBOURNE INJURIES

Michael Hibberd suffered a corkie against West Coast but should be fine to take on the Giants, while Joel Smith (collarbone) and Jayden Hunt (ankle) may also play following tests this week. Jack Viney is on track for a return in the Demons' first final.


 

NORTH MELBOURNE INJURIES

Will Walker injured his knee in the loss to Adelaide, bringing a premature end to his 2018. Ben Jacobs and Taylor Garner will face fitness tests this week though with no finals to play for they may be given a head start on next season.

PORT ADELAIDE INJURIES

Karl Amon faces a fitness test on his knee ahead of Friday night's clash with Essendon.

RICHMOND INJURIES

Richmond will welcome back skipper Trent Cotchin as well as David Astbury for the match against Western Bulldogs, while Dion Prestia will need to prove his fitness this week. Jason Castagna is likely to play despite picking up a knock against Essendon. Kane Lambert and Dan Butler should be in the mix come the first final.

ST KILDA INJURIES

Jarryn Geary should be right to face North Melbourne following a concussion, though Josh Battle will miss with the same injury.

SYDNEY INJURIES

Lance Franklin is dealing with a groin issue and is every chance to miss the top-four shootout against his former club. Luckless defender Alex Johnson had another knee reconstruction on Tuesday following his ACL injury. Harry Marsh will be available for the first week of finals, while key forward Sam Reid could provide a boost in September following an Achilles injury.


 

WEST COAST INJURIES

Will Schofield should be in the mix for the trip to Brisbane, while Josh Kennedy will be primed for the first week of finals.

WESTERN BULLDOGS INJURIES

A host of Dogs are due for fitness tests ahead of the clash with the Tigers, with Marcus Bontempelli, Shane Biggs, Marcus Adams, Fletcher Roberts and Bailey Williams all needing to prove their fitness. Zaine Cordy will probably miss again with a facial fracture.

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.