AFL injury list: The injuries ahead of round 21

Tom Naghten

AFL injury list: The injuries ahead of round 21 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, a host of stars are ruled out for the season while Fremantle look set to welcome back their captain.

MORE: The AFL Rover: The biggest trade target at each club

ADELAIDE INJURIES

The Crows should welcome back Paul Seedsman (hamstring) and Riley Knight (knee) for the clash with North Melbourne, though Daniel Talia (leg) is unlikely to get back in time.

BRISBANE INJURIES

Darcy Gardiner dislocated his shoulder against Collingwood and will miss the rest of the season. The rest of the Lions are unlikely to feature in the next two rounds.

CARLTON INJURIES

Matthew Kreuzer's heart issues haven't abated and he has been ruled out for the rest of the season, while Matthew Kennedy has succumbed to an ankle injury that will end his year. Jacob Weitering is a chance to feature against Western Bulldogs if he can overcome a corked quad.

COLLINGWOOD INJURIES

Jamie Elliott's season is over after hamstring surgery, while Ben Reid's troublesome calf hasn't improved and will see him miss the final two home-and-away games and any finals. Jeremy Howe is dealing with a corked thigh but could play against Port Adelaide on Saturday. Tyson Goldsack could make his return in the VFL, opening the door for an AFL return in time for finals. Darcy Moore is also out until the first week of finals, while Adam Treloar is a long shot to play at all.

ESSENDON INJURIES

Cale Hooker and Brendon Goddard will be pushing it to play against Richmond on Friday night, while Adam Saad is a chance to play as he deals with concussion.

FREMANTLE INJURIES

Captain Nat Fyfe looks set to make his return from a hamstring injury, while Michael Walters could also be a big inclusion, contrary to early reports. Luke Ryan continues to rehab his hamstring in a bid to face Geelong this weekend. Aaron Sandilands, Stephen Hill and Joel Hamling may feature before the season is out though with no finals to play for they may be given a headstart on pre-season.

GEELONG INJURIES

Zach Tuohy (hand) and Jed Bews (shoulder) are both pushing to overcome knocks in time to face Fremantle this weekend. Rhys Stanley will miss at least a week with a calf injury.

GOLD COAST INJURIES

Gold Coast could welcome back Rory Thompson (hamstring) and Sean Lemmens (hand) for the clash with Brisbane, provided they pass fitness tests. Darcy MacPherson and Tom Nicholls both look like making their long-awaited comebacks in the NEAFL.

GWS INJURIES

Heath Shaw's season is over after his knee injury required surgery. Josh Kelly is unlikely to face Sydney following his concussion against Adelaide, while Sam Reid will also miss with a hamstring injury. Zac Williams hasn't played all season after an Achilles rupture, but is set to play in the reserves this week. Toby Greene, Matt de Boer, Tim MohrAidan Corr and Sam Taylor should all be pushing for selection come finals time.

HAWTHORN INJURIES

Ben McEvoy and Brendan Whitecross will play against St Kilda this week, while it will be too soon for Jarryd Roughead. Grant Birchall hasn't played all year with a knee injury but looks like playing in the VFL. James Sicily is on track to return for the first week of finals.

MELBOURNE INJURIES

Michael Hibberd and Jake Melksham should be right to take on West Coast this week. Jesse Hogan's season is over after suffering a stress fracture in his foot, while Jayden Hunt (ankle) and Joel Smith (collarbone) will miss at least a fortnight each. Jack Viney will be pushing to be fit for week one of finals should the Dees get there.

NORTH MELBOURNE INJURIES

Ben Jacobs appears to be on the improve and is a slight chance to face Adelaide this weekend. Billy Hartung will be up for selection after a successful comeback in the VFL.

PORT ADELAIDE INJURIES

Paddy Ryder, Jared Polec and Dan Houston are all pushing to overcome knocks picked up in the loss to West Coast. Ryder looks least likely to play. Charlie Dixon's season is over after breaking his leg. Karl Amon could put his hand up for selection after a knee injury.

RICHMOND INJURIES

Kane Lambert and Dan Butler both had minor ankle surgery and look like missing a fortnight. Toby Nankervis will be right to take on Essendon on Friday night. Reece Conca could be available but rolled an ankle in the VFL last week.

ST KILDA INJURIES

Hunter Clark will be right to take on Hawthorn this week, while Josh Battle is the only other Saint in line for a return this season.

SYDNEY INJURIES

Alex Johnson suffered another ACL injury against Melbourne and will take some time to consider his future. Nick Smith damaged a hamstring tendon and is unlikely to play again in 2018. Gary Rohan played at NEAFL level last week and could put his hand up for selection, as could Heath Grundy who has missed two games with mental health issues. Sam Reid and Harry Marsh are the only other injured Swans a chance to play this season.

WEST COAST INJURIES

Josh Kennedy won't return from his leg injury to face Melbourne this weekend, though he and Will Schofield may feature next week. Fraser McInnes could put his hand up for selection after an adductor injury.

WESTERN BULLDOGS INJURIES

Easton Wood, Marcus Adams, Shane Biggs and Roarke Smith all face fitness tests this week ahead of their clash with Carlton. Zaine Cordy's season is most likely over after suffering a fractured skull against North Melbourne.

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.