As the 2025 AFL season kicks off, clubs are dealing with a mix of setbacks and positive injury updates. Some key players are set to miss crucial early-season matches, while others have received the green light to return. Here’s the latest injury news from across the league.
Collingwood Faces Uncertainty, but Gains a Boost
Collingwood is dealing with a few injury concerns ahead of their Round 1 clash with Port Adelaide. Half-back Josh Daicos is managing an ankle issue that could impact his availability for Saturday’s match. Despite finishing last week’s game against GWS, he remains in doubt and will need to prove his fitness before taking the field. Meanwhile, experienced defender Jeremy Howe (knee) is also questionable, while Will Hoskin-Elliott (back), Oleg Markov (calf), and Jordan De Goey (groin) are confirmed absentees. On a positive note, ruckman Mason Cox has recovered from a pre-season finger injury and is set to return.
Heartbreak for Brisbane’s Lincoln McCarthy
Brisbane forward Lincoln McCarthy has suffered another devastating setback, rupturing his right ACL again. After missing out on the Lions’ 2024 premiership run due to the same injury, McCarthy had been preparing for a return to action this weekend. Unfortunately, this latest injury will sideline him indefinitely. Brisbane’s general manager of football, Danny Daly, expressed his disappointment but praised McCarthy’s resilience, stating that the club will rally around him during his recovery.
Suns, Swans, and Saints Deal with Mixed News
Gold Coast will be without defenders Mac Andrew and Sam Flanders for their opening-round clash against West Coast. Andrew sustained a chest injury during a practice match but is expected to return in Round 2, while Flanders’ ongoing back issue will keep him sidelined until at least Round 3. Meanwhile, Sydney’s midfield has taken a hit, with Taylor Adams ruled out for 3–4 weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained against Hawthorn. St Kilda, on the other hand, has received some positive news, with key players Rowan Marshall and Jack Sinclair cleared to play in Round 1 after overcoming minor setbacks. However, forward Max King (knee) and Dan Butler (Achilles) will miss their opening match against Adelaide.
Carlton’s Sam Walsh Cleared, but Curnow Ruled Out
Carlton has confirmed that midfielder Sam Walsh is fit to play in their season opener against Richmond, having recovered from a hamstring issue. However, they will be without star forward Charlie Curnow, who is being given extra time to recover from minor knee surgery. The club is taking a cautious approach with Curnow, aiming for a return in Round 2. Meanwhile, small forward Orazio Fantasia (calf) and Corey Durdin (ankle) will also miss the start of the season but are expected back in the coming weeks.
Other Injury Concerns Across the League
Several other AFL teams are also managing injuries leading into the new season. Fremantle’s Shai Bolton is in doubt for their clash against Geelong due to a leg issue, while the Dockers will also be without Sean Darcy, Nat Fyfe, and Hayden Young. Richmond’s young recruit Sam Lalor is back in contention after recovering from a fractured jaw, but fellow draftee Josh Smillie is out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Geelong defender Jed Bews will miss two months due to finger surgery, while GWS ruckman Kieran Briggs has entered concussion protocols and will be sidelined for at least 12 days.
With Round 1 fast approaching, AFL clubs are hoping for smooth recoveries for their injured stars while preparing to make adjustments to their lineups. Stay tuned for further updates as teams finalize their selections for the season opener.