AFL 2024: Injuries & Suspensions

Essendon’s injury blows, Pies provide latest on forward, Richmond stars to return: AFL injury news

Read up on the latest AFL injury news ahead of Round 13.

Published by
Aidan Cellini

Essendon will miss dashing defender Mason Redman for Sunday's clash with Carlton as scans have confirmed a strain in his hamstring, while there's more bads news for Darcy Parish and Zach Reid.

Collingwood have provided an update on forward Jamie Elliott, while Roos young gun Colby McKercher's return timeframe is not yet clear.

Meanwhile, Richmond will make three changes for their Thursday night game against Adelaide while Sydney will welcome back a key defender.

Here's all the latest injury news across the AFL...

Redman to miss crucial Carlton clash, setback for Parish

Essendon defender Mason Redman has been sidelined by a hamstring strain and is now set to miss Sunday's meeting with Carlton due to the ailment.

Redman is set to join youngster Zach Reid on the sidelines, with the fringe defender suffering a pectoral injury in the VFL over the weekend and is now set to require surgery.

Reid's return timeframe is not yet known, but an extended period out of action is expected.

Midfielder Darcy Parish's return from a calf injury has been pushed back, with the All-Australian now facing a return close to six weeks away.

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The Bombers could also be without forward Kyle Langford (hip) following his own injury concern from Sunday's loss to Gold Coast, with he and ruckman Todd Goldstein (ankle) both tests for Sunday's game.

Roos skipper in the clear, latest on young gun

North Melbourne co-captain Jy Simpkin is in line to play his first game since Round 8 following a battle with a quad injury.

Simpkin has been cleared to return this week to face West Coast, while Hugh Greenwood (Achilles) is also available this week following his own rehabilaton period.

"Jy has now fully recovered from that quad strain and has ticked off his return to play markers throughout the past week," North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White told NMFC Media.

"He is taking part in unrestricted, full-group trainings and will be available to play this week."

First-year Roo Colby McKercher's return won't come this week as the Pick 2 selection continues to deal with a foot issue.

The club has confirmed McKercher has returned to running, with his timeframe for a return to be clearer over the next week.

"Colby has had an extended off-load period to ensure healing of that metatarsal bone stress," White said.

Colby McKercher of the North Melbourne Kangaroos during the 2024 AFL season (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)

"He completed his first AlterG [treadmill] run on Tuesday pain-free, with the next steps this week being a move to running sessions on ground.

"If he completes that this week without awareness in that spot, then we will have a clear return to play timeline mapped out from next week, where we can progress his on-field training towards a return to play."

Miller Bergman is aiming to rejoin the team's group training next week following a hamstring injury sustained in Round 10.

King a test for Suns bout, defender suffers setback

St Kilda key forward Max King will need to prove his fitness at training this week to be cleared for selection after jarring his knee last weekend against West Coast.

King avoided serious damage to his knee but remains in doubt for Saturday's game against the Suns at Marvel Stadium, with Thursday's main session set to decide the forward's playing prospects.

Meanwhile, abdominal pain will keep backman Liam Stocker out for up to three weeks, with the ailment keeping the ex-Blue from making the club's recent trip to Perth.

“Liam has been managing some abdominal/groin pain for a few weeks now,” Saints football boss David Misson said in a club update.

“We're hopeful that by giving him time for his pain to subside he'll be best positioned to play out the rest of the season.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Max King of the Saints celebrates a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 02 match between the St Kilda Saints and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 21, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Saints have also confirmed that young tall Isaac Keeler is also a test following a recent knee issue, while young pair Olli Hotton and Ryan Byrnes have been cleared after suffering concerns in the VFL.

Collingwood duo in selection mix, latest on Elliott

We all know Collingwood has an extensive injury list for some of their key players.

However, heading into the annual King's Birthday clash with Melbourne, key forward Reef McInnes has been made available after being cleared from concussion protocols while utility Will Hoskin-Elliott is on track to return.

The Pies are in desperate need of their experienced stars on the park as the past fortnight has yielded unfamiliar results in tight contests.

Following recent concerns surrounding veteran forward Jamie Elliott, the club has revealed his vascular issue is almost resolved, however he remains up to two months away from a return.

Jamie Elliott during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between St Kilda and Collingwood (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

"Jamie Elliott's vascular issue is progressing well and is almost resolved. The forward is on a modified training program which includes indoor pool and treadmill work. Elliott is expected to complete outdoor running later this week," a club update reads.

Key Cats duo listed as tests

Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield is in the frame to face Sydney this weekend following his extended spell on the sideline with a reaggravated hamstring injury.

The Cats veteran will need to get through training this week to be cleared for the trip north.

Forward Ollie Henry is also a test following his own hamstring injury, which was sustained last weekend against Richmond.

“Both are tracking pretty well, Dangerfield has been training with the team for close to two weeks now, so he'll be a test later this week,” Geelong Cats Assistant General Manager of Football Brett Johnson said in a club update.

“Ollie was subbed off during the game on the weekend with some hamstring awareness. His function was slightly limited during the game which was the reason for subbing him out, therefore he'll be a test to play this week as well.”

Veteran Cam Guthrie is another week away with his Achilles issue, while ruckman Rhys Stanley got through his return in the VFL unscathed.

Swans merry on McCartin's return

Sydney are excited by the likely return of key defender Tom McCartin for the clash with Geelong.

McCartin suffered a concussion in Round 8 against the Giants after a lewd bump from Callum Brown collected him high.

The 24-year-old has a history of concussions, like his older brother Paddy who was medically retired but has been given the all-clear.

Coach John Longmire confirmed on Tuesday that McCartin is available to face Geelong this weekend following his extended pell in concussion protocols.

Post-bye boost for Brisbane

The Lions will have defender Brandon Starcevich available for Friday's clash with the Bulldogs following their respective injury concerns.

Starcevich is in line for his first game in a month due to a calf injury sustained prior to the Lions' QClash win over the Suns.

Meanwhile, young midfielder Will Ashcroft is still up to six weeks away as he continues his rehabilitation from an ACL injury sustained during the 2023 season.

Bulldogs cavalry ready to go

The Western Bulldogs are set to welcome back midfielders Tom Liberatore (concussion) and Ed Richards (concussion) into the mix after the pair have overcome their respective concussion protocols.

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Pending getting through training, coach Luke Beveridge is likely to recall the duo with the hope one will replace the injured James Harmes, who hurt his hamstring in the win against Collingwood.

Laitham Vandermeer (hamstring) is also a test for Round 13 while Anthony Scott (concussion) could put his hand up for selection.

However, it's not all good news as Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen has suffered a setback, injuring his calf in a fresh concern for the club.

Richmond trio to be replaced by experienced midfielders

Richmond will be without Dustin Martin (illness), Marlion Pickett (calf) and Mykelti Lefau (knee) for Thursday's game in Adelaide.

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Tigers coach Adem Yze confirmed on Tuesday that the trio will be missing the trip to Adelaide Oval while Martin's 300th AFL game will be put on hold.

Tim Taranto (wrist), Shai Bolton (concussion) and Dion Prestia (managed) are all expected to return to the lineup in a huge boost for the club.

Adelaide midfielder ruled out for 2024, latest on Walker

Crows ball magnet Matt Crouch has copped an injury blow after the club confirmed he'd need season-ending shoulder surgery this week.

The 29-year-old suffered a knock during the loss to Hawthorn, with scans confirming a right AC joint injury.

Key forward Taylor Walker is in some doubt for Thursday night with a back issue and will need to prove hit fitness at training, while captain Jordan Dawson is expected to play despite a recent foot concern.

“Tex's back seized up during the game and he was unable to continue so we subbed him out which was ultimately a good decision,” High Performance Manager Darren Burgess said in a club update.

“He's come up reasonably well and will need to get through training tomorrow in order to put his hand up for selection, but things are looking pretty good.

“It was a very similar issue to last time and he's been doing really well to manage that, and hopefully he's able to train tomorrow and play.”

Published by
Aidan Cellini