Latest on Hawthorn star, forgotten Lion's return date revealed as Blues downed: AFL injury news

Port Adelaide has suffered two major blows to their elite midfield group, with two key players set for significant time on the sidelines.

Richmond has several young guns available for selection this week, but Gold Coast will be without a star midfielder for at least three weeks and the Giants' spearhead will be managed.

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

Demon recovering from heavy knock

Melbourne's Tom Sparrow is recovering well after he was knocked out in Sunday's clash against North Melbourne, but has still entered concussion protocols.

Sparrow was stretchered from the field.

"Tom recovered well following that incident, but he did enter into the concussion protocols," AFL High Performance Manager Selwyn Griffith said.

"He's been feeling relatively asymptomatic, which is a positive sign, but we'll only progress him through those protocols until his symptoms allow.

"He'll aim to be back in at the club on Thursday when we're training."

Defender Jake Lever will miss due to an ankle injury after the club confirmed he pulled up sore from the win.

"Jake's had a bit of an interrupted season with the ankle surgery earlier in April, and it has been quite a frustrating year for him," Griffith said.

"He's had a great couple of weeks of training, but after the game he reported that he had some increasing pain around his ankle and foot.

"Following some imaging, it's shown that he has some irritation to the sheath, which is around the tendon near the back of his ankle.

"We're going to intervene with that irritation, which involves an injection to hopefully help settle some of his pain."

Harrison Petty (concussion), Oliver Sestan (hamstring) and Aidan Johnson (ankle) are all facing their final ticks of approval for a full return from their respective injuries.

Docker skipper to miss as midfielder pushes for call-up

Fremantle will miss Alex Pearce yet again and will be at least another week or two with a shin issue.

Midfielder Hayden Young will need to get through training to put his hand up to take on Collingwood on Sunday at the MCG, as will Will Brodie.

"He's (Young) gotten through everything we've asked of him," Fremantle High Performance Manager Phil Merriman said.

"He has a hurdle to get through at main training. If he gets through that, he'll be available for selection.

"Same thing, he's (Brodie) got to get through tomorrow."

Leader Andrew Brayshaw has also recovered from his nasty head knock late in last week's win over Hawthorn that saw blood gushing, and required "10 staples in his head".

Veteran Nat Fyfe (calf) and half-back Cooper Simpson (AC joint) are just one week away from returning to football.

Star Kangaroos bound to play

North Melbourne could welcome back Luke Davies-Uniacke and George Wardlaw from concussion battles as they prepare for a clash with Sydney.

The pair have been in concussion protocols after suffering head knocks in recent weeks, with the club taking a cautious approach with Wardlaw given his history.

"George has had a conservative program across the past two weeks, increasing his exposure to high-intensity footy training as well as grading to full-contact training," North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White said.

"He will train Tuesday night with the VFL program, then again on Thursday with the main group to declare his availability."

Davies-Uniacke is progressing well and will train with the club's VFL outfit on Tuesday, before rejoining the AFL squad on Thursday.

Forward Nick Larkey is still in doubt for the Sydney trip after scans revealed a low-grade PCL injury last week.

"[The injury] is restricting our ability to get him into full range and into running at higher levels," White said.

Veteran Luke McDonald also has a chance to return after missing the past fortnight with an AC joint injury.

Geelong defender all but ready

The Cats took a cautious approach when considering Sam De Koning for selection last week after he had surgery on his injured shoulder a month ago.

De Koning is all but ready to put his hand up to face St Kilda this week, but will need to tick off a full week of training.

Ruckman Toby Conway will feature in the VFL, which will be his first game this year as he recovers from a long-term back injury and an extensive training block.

Jeremy Cameron will be a watched throughout the week after coming up sore from Saturday's loss to the Giants.

Crows veteran ready to go

Adelaide's Matt Crouch will be seen on a football field after overcoming a hip injury.

The 30year-old has not been seen since Round 8, but would add pressure to the flying Crows in the coming weeks ahead of finals.

"Pleasingly, Matt Crouch will play this weekend in the SANFL," Crows High Performance Manager Darren Burgess said.

"He'll be on slightly restricted minutes but has got through training and his conditioning really well."

Defender Jordon Butts will return to Adelaide after puncturing his lung against the Western Bulldogs after he was removed from the game in the first quarter.

"We'll commence Jordon's rehab once he returns to Adelaide," Burgess said.

"He's spending a couple days in hospital in Melbourne and will be driving back to SA this week some time."

Brayden Cook will also miss due to a concussion.

Hawks pressing case as Day nears return

Hawthorn could welcome back Will Day next week as he ramps up his training regime in anticipation of an AFL return.

Day has been absent since Round 3 against GWS with a persistent foot injury, but the club has revealed he has all but overcome the problem.

"He's been on a really specifically tailored program and built around how he's going to return and the way we're going to train him from week to week once he returns, based on the injury he's had and the surgery, and some of the things we've reviewed with his program as well," High Performance Manager Peter Burge said.

Sam Butler (leg), Seamus Mitchell (ankle) and Bodie Ryan (clavicle) are also firming as tests this weekend.

Blues lose pair as dashing defender a "test"

Carlton will lose Orazio Fantasia and Mitch McGovern to hamstring injuries from last Thursday's loss to Brisbane.

The pair underwent scans, which confirmed the injury, and will be given at least three weeks before a return-to-play timeline is made clearer.

Adam Saad is expected to be made available after he overcomes concussion protocols, while key forward Harry McKay is aiming to face Hawthorn in Round 20.

Dog loses bark after latest setback

Western Bulldogs youngster Harvey Gallagher has suffered a setback in his foot, with scans confirming a bone stress injury.

Gallagher had been sidelined with a calf issue, but will now spend more time watching his teammates.

"During our match simulation training session on Saturday, Harvey developed some generalised ankle symptoms," Bulldogs Head of Medical Services Chris Bell said.

"Scans have confirmed that he has a bone stress injury to his navicular bone.

"Harvey will consult with a surgeon this week to confirm if surgical management is needed to assist with his management.

"His rehabilitation plan and timeline will be confirmed across this week."

James Harmes will need to get through training after falling ill last week while Arthur Jones is almost ready to return from a hamstring injury.

Swans star eyes return

Sydney could welcome back experienced duo Dane Rampe and Robbie Fox to the senior side.

The pair will need to get through the week's training program to be fit for the North Melbourne clash on Saturday.

Tom McCartin will miss through concussion as the club takes a cautious approach with the defender.

St Kilda update on youngsters as forward seeks specialist

St Kilda's Mattaes Phillipou is making positive moves toward a return as he works through his rehab from a plantaris injury.

The Saints have listed Phillipou as two weeks, which is also the return frame for Jack Carroll (knee), Isaac Keeler (hamstring) and Dougal Howard (hamstring).

Small forward Dan Butler will consult specialists after dislocating his elbow in last week's loss to Sydney.

"Dan never hesitates to put his body on the line for his teammates, and this is another, albeit very painful, example of that dedication," EGM of Football David Misson said.

"We're currently allowing the injury to settle, and Dan will seek further medical advice later in the week. From there, we will be able to ascertain a more specific timeline."

Paddy Dow and Zaine Cordy have made successful returns in the VFL in recent weeks, and could come into senior selection consideration.

Forgotten Lion rejoins main group

Brisbane forward Lincoln McCarthy has further progressed in his recovery from a second ACL injury, joining the main group for skills training.

McCarthy hasn't been seen since Round 8 last year, but could be seen in the next four to six weeks.

Suspended midfielder Deven Robertson and teammate James Tunstill both entered concussion protocols after a collision in the VFL.

Dons young gun the latest sidelined

Essendon will reportedly be without young tall Nate Caddy for Thursday's affair with GWS at Marvel Stadium.

According to 9 News' Tom Morris, Caddy is dealing with a groin issue and is expected to miss his side's Round 19 clash.

Caddy's absence is set to add to the list of changes coach Brad Scott will make for Thursday night, with Ben Hobbs (groin) also out with injury.

Earlier this week the club confirmed duo Nic Martin (ACL) and Will Setterfield (Lisfranc) will be sidelined for the rest of the season.

Another blow for the injury-ravaged

@essendonfc ahead of Thursday night’s game v GWS. Understand Nate Caddy will miss with groin soreness. Hobbs (groin), Martin (ACL) & Setterfield (foot) already out.@FootyonNine @9NewsMelb @1116sen — Tom Morris (@tommorris32) July 14, 2025

Coleman medallist ruled out of Dons clash

GWS coach Adam Kingsley has confirmed key forward Jesse Hogan won't make the trip to Victoria this week to take on Essendon.

Coming off a recent bout of illness, a foot injury and into a five-day break, Hogan will be managed for Round 19.

Speaking on AFL 360, Kingsley said the Giants are looking at multiple changes for Thursday's clash with Essendon.

"We've made some plans, there'll be a couple of players who won't play," Kinglsey confirmed.

"Jesse Hogan was one guy we were a little bit cautious about playing in the game against the Cats with his week previous with a foot (injury) and illness.

"He won't make the trip down to Melbourne. So we'll manage him and make sure that foot settles down a bit."

Key defender Jack Buckley could also be managed following his recent foot issue, with fellow tall backman Sam Taylor in the mix to return from a toe injury.

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