As we approach Round 1, teams are crossing all of their fingers and toes hoping to have access to all players currently under an injury cloud.
From those who have niggles to those who have had injury interrupted pre-seasons to those dealing with more significant injuries, here’s where the key players at your club sit right now.
Tom Doedee went down with an ACL injury in Round 1 last year and the club has been counting down the days until his return. He experienced a setback in his recovery last month, landing awkwardly in a marking contest at training. It was the same knee he injured. The intercept defender is vital for the Crows and they’ll be hoping he is back soon, but in the same breath, they will err on the side of caution as to avoid losing him again for a lengthy spell. He is expected to miss the first few weeks of the 2020 season.
Verdict: Only without Doedee and Riley Knight (achilles) for the beginning of the season.
Andrew Slevison
Once again, the Lions have a full bill of health going into the season. Dayne Zorko was kept out of the State of Origin game with a tight hamstring, but has already been cleared for this week’s Marsh Series clash with Carlton.
Verdict: No issues for Round 1.
Nic Negrepontis
Harry McKay is back training following a summer plagued by an ongoing groin injury. He is training well and building up his fitness, but remains in doubt for Round 1 versus Richmond. Charlie Curnow remains ages away with his knee issue, while Caleb Marchbank played for in a VFL practice match last weekend as he continues his rehab from a neck injury.
Verdict: McKay and Curnow the only key Blues unavailable for Round 1.
Nic Negrepontis
Adam Treloar will miss Round 1 following a hamstring injury suffered in the Marsh Series encounter with Richmond. Tom Langdon (knee) and Travis Varcoe (shoulder) are both out long term, while Ben Reid and Isaac Quaynor are also under a cloud for the season opener against the Western Bulldogs.
Verdict: Will not be at full strength to kick off the season.
Sam Mills
Dyson Heppell battled ongoing foot problems last season and with just two weeks to go until the premiership season begins, there’s still significant doubt about whether the skipper will line up against Fremantle in round one. Essendon’s injury trouble don’t stop there – Joe Daniher still doesn’t have a return date after two years of groin problems, Cale Hooker will miss the start of the season and to make matters worse, underrated defender Patrick Ambrose went down with a PCL injury in a scratch match last month and will also miss the early part of the season.
Verdict: Essendon will enter the opening round with a team missing a few big names.
Laurence Rosen
Joel Hamling’s absence leaves a gaping hole in Fremantle’s defence. The ligament damage to his left ankle is expected to keep him out for up to three months. In an additional blow, rebounding half-back Nathan Wilson will be sidelined for 4-5 weeks with a toe problem. The Dockers are also sweating on the fitness of key defender Alex Pearce (ankle) and veteran midfielder David Mundy (leg) while Jesse Hogan remains out of the game to deal with his mental health and wellbeing.
Verdict: Freo with some serious injury worries early.
Andrew Slevison
Mitch Duncan headlines Geelong’s injuries troubles on the eve of the new season after he underwent hip surgery late last year, delaying his return to training. He’s touch and go for the start of the season but considering his importance to the Cats’ midfield, the club looks set to ease him back into senior footy. Injury-prone youngster Nakia Cockatoo is once again battling hamstring issues, Jake Kolodjashnij will miss the start of 2020 with a hip complaint while both Lachie Fogarty and Joel Selwood should be fit for Round 1 despite battling injuries during pre-season.
Verdict: A chance to be fully fit for the season opener, but with some touch and go.
Laurence Rosen
Ruckman and co-captain Jarrod Witts is in a race to be ready for Round 1 as he continues his rehab from a foot injury. He underwent surgery in early January, but has returned to training and is making good progress. Key defender Rory Thompson is still recovering from a torn ACL, but is expected to be available early in the season. Izak Rankine is also in line for a Round 1 debut, nursing a shoulder injury.
Verdict: Witts and Rankine make it to Round 1.
Nic Negrepontis
The curse of the Giants midfield has continued. The 2019 runners-up were dealt a major blow earlier this week when reigning best and fairest Tim Taranto underwent surgery on a dislocated shoulder. He’ll be out for the first half of the season. Key midfielder Callan Ward remains about a month away from his return from an ACL.
Verdict: The Giants are in ok shape for the early rounds.
Andrew Slevison
Jack Gunston’s ankle issue will force him to miss at least the first week of the new season. His preparations have been interrupted following pre-season surgery. Lockdown defender Blake Hardwick tore his pectoral muscle and is expected out for as many as three months. Jarman Impey will miss the first half of the season as he continues to recover from a serious knee injury sustained last year.
Verdict: The Hawks have a handful of casualties which will test their depth early.
Andrew Slevison
Melbourne have had to endure plenty of injury troubles but as we approach Round 1, most of their list should be fit to face West Coast at Optus Stadium. Simon Goodwin’s side will be without ruckman Braydon Preuss after picking up a knee injury which could sideline him for as many as five weeks, while there’s still some over new captain Max Gawn’s availability after he sustained a knee injury in January.
Verdict: Max Gawn will be fit to play in Round 1.
Laurence Rosen
Ben Brown suffered a calf setback that ruled him out of State of Origin, but remains on track to play in Round 1. He will not take part in the Marsh Community Series, however. Jack Ziebell has been dealing with a calf injury of his own, but is also expected to be ready for the start of the season. Jared Polec (foot) is also making a quick recovery.
Verdict: All three available for Round 1
Nic Negrepontis
Port Adelaide will be without vice-captain Ollie Wines for the opening month of the season. Wines underwent surgery on a dislocated left shoulder in February. Miles Bergman, the Power’s first pick in last year’s draft, is likely to recover from an ankle injury in time for the start of the campaign.
Verdict: Wines the only key player unavailable for Port.
Alex Zaia
Toby Nankervis had groin surgery in the off-season and has been limited in his preparation, however, is likely to play in the Marsh Series this weekend. Having struggled with the problem in the first half of last season, don’t be surprised if the Tigers tread carefully with him early in 2020. Kamdyn McIntosh is recovering from an ankle issue while Jack Graham (shoulder) is close to full fitness. Both could play against the Giants in Wagga Wagga this Sunday.
Verdict: No major injury concerns for the reigning premiers.
St Kilda has no major injuries to speak of. Dan Hannebery (groin) and Jimmy Webster (shoulder) should be available for Sunday’s Marsh Series match against Collingwood in Morwell. Soft-tissue injuries restricted Hannebery to five games last year.
Verdict: No issues for the Saints.
Alex Zaia
A knee injury will sideline superstar forward Lance Franklin for at least the opening two weeks of the season. Isaac Heeney (thumb) could return for Sunday’s Marsh Series hit out against North Melbourne. Sam Reid (calf) and Robbie Fox (ankle) are pushing for Round 1, while Lewis Melican (hamstring) is doubtful for the start of the season.
Verdict: No Buddy, but Heeney and Reid could boost the Swans.
Alex Zaia
Jeremy McGovern is expected to take the field for the second Marsh Series game against Fremantle as he recovers from a heel injury. Oscar Allen has also overcome an ankle injury in a good sign for his availability.
Verdict: No serious problems for the Eagles.
Nic Negrepontis
Ed Richards suffered a concussion in a collision with North Melbourne’s Marley Williams, but at this stage it is anticipated that he is right to go for Round 1. Aaron Naughton is more of a worry following a fresh injury on his ‘good’ knee, requiring an arthroscope. Whether he makes it to Round 1 remains up in the air.
Verdict: Naughton misses Round 1 but few other concerns.
Nic Negrepontis