The Hawks are in win now mode, but can they really take the next step with this midfield?

Hawthorn’s rapid rebuild plan has hit a snag, but St Kilda’s looks on track.

The Hawks wanted to supercharge their midfield in the off-season, but their efforts to recruit Zach Merrett failed. What’s more they lost James Worpel and now their great white hope, Will Day, is injured again. At Moorabbin, the Saints managed to land nearly all of the big-name recruits they targeted in 2025, and despite some early niggles the ring-ins are now making a mark on the training track.

With the summer of cricket and tennis now fading from prominence, and the AFL practice matches looming large, let’s take a look at the injuries and positional moves you may have missed at your club over summer.

After starting this project alphabetically with Adelaide-GWS (scroll below), we now move on to Hawthorn-Western Bulldogs.

Hawthorn

Will Day’s shoulder dislocation, which forces him out until mid-season, is the most significant injury so far this pre-season. His absence weakens the Hawks in their most vulnerable area, the midfield, especially given they failed in their bid to recruit Essendon skipper Zach Merrett and lost James Worpel to Geelong. Day, when available, is the Hawks’ best player. The Hawks won five of the six games he played last season before he was forced to the sidelines with a foot injury.

Their reliance on brilliant co-captain Jai Newcombe is obvious, so they will need to pinch hit with Nick Watson and Connor Macdonald, who has been spending more time in the middle. Josh Weddle is an option but is likely to spend most of his time as a high defender. James Sicily has had a graduated program this pre-season after shoulder surgery, and he won’t be pushed this season after hip problems reduced his impact in 2025. Stopper Finn Maginness has been recovering from the lacerated kidney which ended his season at round 19 last season and just rejoined full training, while Will McCabe will take time to develop as the club takes caution with his program. Hawthorn’s use of their talls will be fascinating as they experiment with the best deployment of Lloyd Meek, Mitch Lewis, Mabior Chol and Calsher Dear, particularly with new ruck rules and the abolition of the substitute, which will bring Ned Reeves into play.

One to watch: Can Mitch Lewis get a free run from injury to play at the level he did in 2022 and 2023?

Melbourne

New coach Steven King has close to a blank canvas to work with after the departures of midfield duo Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver. Expect increased time in the midfield for Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay, while recruit Jack Steele and veteran Jack Viney do the grunt work. The Demons could surprise a few with Latrelle Pickett joining Kysaiah Pickett to worry opponents, while Jai Culley could cement a spot on the wing. Andy Moniz-Wakefield makes a handy return from an ACL to replace Jake Bowey who will be missing for a while with a foot injury.

The defence is in transition, with Steven May likely entering his final season as Daniel Turner and Xavier Taylor lead Melbourne into a new era. Jake Melksham, Harrison Petty, Harry Sharp and Christian Salem have been running laps. Max Gawn’s finger injury was an annoyance, but he is due back this week. Max Heath is a good pick-up from the Saints, and Brody Mihocek is just the foil for Jacob van Rooyen. Tom Campbell, the veteran back-up, is in a neck brace, while Viney has been taking it slowly to overcome a grumbling Achilles. He may be touch-and-go for early games.

One to watch: If one Pickett doesn’t get you the other will. Latrelle Pickett will turn heads.

North Melbourne

Jackson Archer can’t take a trick. Suspension then injury and now an ACL will have wiped out two seasons once he returns. But the time has arrived for the Kangaroos to make progress as the excuses are wearing thin. The midfield depth is real and many of their high draft picks are moving into the 40-80 game range, which should make them competitive.

The Roos need tall defenders, and Griffin Logue looks keen to atone for a below-par season in 2025. Charlie Comben is a strong mark, but his kicking still concerns, while Toby Pink will give his all. Youngster Matt Whitlock has been training as a forward and should get opportunities this season. The most impressive performer on the track is Taylor Goad. He’s a ruckman, but his ability to read the ball, coupled with a willingness to attack reveal a capacity to play back. Charlie Spargo has been doing non-contact training as he recovers from a shoulder injury suffered at the end of last season. Energetic small forward Lachy Dovaston is a chance to make his debut early in the season. Veteran defender Aidan Corr is rehabilitating a calf issue and Brayden George a hamstring.

One to watch: Finn O’Sullivan alongside Harry Sheezel in the midfield is tantalising.

Port Adelaide

There is a willingness to write Port Adelaide off. But don’t forget; they reached a preliminary final just two seasons ago and their 2025 campaign was disrupted by the succession plan that saw Josh Carr take over from Ken Hinkley and was publicly revealed far too early. The concerns are that Jason Horne-Francis’s pre-season has been interrupted, and the impact of that is yet to be seen, and Zak Butters – the game’s most dynamic player – might be entering his last season at the club as he ponders his future during free agency.

Connor Rozee and Miles Bergman are outstanding players entering their peak years, and Jack Lukosius was unsighted last season. Horne-Francis resumed running just after Christmas as he continues his recovery from the foot surgery he had day one of pre-season, while Jayden Stephenson is a chance to win a spot on the list in the supplemental selection period. Todd Marshall is back after an Achilles injury, and is being tried down back. Sam Powell-Pepper won’t be back until mid-season. Veteran Ollie Wines will miss the first two matches through suspension as the team varies their method of attack. The aim is to be more predictable as they bring the ball forward through the corridor.

One to watch: After 159 goals in 118 games, will Marshall be revitalised as a key defender?

Richmond

It won’t be Tiger time this season, but you should make time to watch the Tigers. They have untapped talent everywhere, and although they won’t challenge for finals it will be exciting to watch them develop. Josh Smillie is the one young players from last year’s crop yet to strut his stuff after hamstring and quad issues ruined his first season. He underwent quad surgery as soon as he returned to pre-season and is rebuilding slowly to avoid repeat issues.

The good news is Josh Gibcus has had a good pre-season after playing the final match last season – his third in three years – after being dogged with injury. The talented defender is a key part of their future. Veterans Nick Vlastuin and Nathan Broad have been managed through the pre-season to ensure their durability after many campaigns. They will lead the backline, while precocious midfielder Sam Lalor is yet to miss a beat after hamstring injuries frustrated him at the end of last year. No.8 draft pick Sam Grlj is sizzling and shaping for an early debut.

One to watch: Maurice Rioli jnr has had an excellent pre-season as he pushes to cement a spot in the AFL team in the final year of his contract.

St Kilda

Expectations are high after their recruiting splurge. Despite initial calf issues, Tom De Koning is back in full training and showing his talent. If the Saints can overcome the centre-square fadeouts that cost them games in 2025, they will be top six contenders. Jack Silvagni and Mason Wood have built slowly because of calf issues, while Hunter Clark hurt his hamstring recently.

The big question is whether Max King can put his injury issues behind him and become the key forward the Saints crave. If he can, their bunch of small forwards will become even more dangerous, particularly after Liam Ryan’s arrival. Liam Henry has impressed track watchers after a very ordinary 2025, but a hamstring injury last week will slow him down, while the justified hype surrounding Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera shows no signs of slowing down.

One to watch: Hugh Boxshall is underrated, but he will build on his excellent debut season. But all eyes will be on big-money recruit De Koning to see whether he can justify his price tag.

Sydney

Taylor Adams has had a wretched 12 months with hamstring problems in 2025 followed by a partial Achilles tear this pre-season before being assaulted on the Australia Day weekend. Surely, his luck will change soon as he enters the final year of his contract. But he won’t be where the focus is when the season starts because all eyes will be on former Blue Charlie Curnow; the Swans’ new main man in attack. The Coleman medallist has had an outstanding pre-season and has Swans watchers excited.

Callum Mills and Errol Gulden were both missing for the first half of last season, and by then the Swans were too far gone to make finals. Mills has again had a few hamstring issues, but he is back training. Logan McDonald should benefit from not being the No.1 forward as he returns to the fray from an ankle problem, which forced him to miss the season.

One to watch: If you are not watching Curnow, you are at the wrong game.

West Coast

Harley Reid has had a big pre-season after he presented out of shape last year. He has learnt quickly what is required, and his talent is obvious. If Elliot Yeo can be alongside him and No.1 draft pick Willem Duursma, then the cellar dwellers can be much more competitive.

The injury concerns have been among lesser lights, such as Jack Hutchinson and Harry Barnett who have both returned to the track as part of their rehabilitation. Brandon Starcevich suffered a minor anterior cruciate ligament strain in late January and new co-captain Liam Baker will miss round one with suspension. Brady Hough also suffered an ankle injury last week. Tom McCarthy is expected to play more midfield time, and the availability of Jake Waterman to play alongside Jobe Shanahan will make a big difference to their scoring power.

One to watch: Duursma will play round one barring injury, and we should also get an early look at pick No.2 Cooper Duff-Tytler despite the ruckman needing development.

Western Bulldogs

Cody Weightman was missed last season, so his ongoing knee issues remain a significant concern for the Bulldogs’ ambitions to contend for the 2026 flag. The outstanding forward is not expected to be available until May as he builds strength around his knee after several operations last season to treat a condition, bipartite patella. Riley Garcia will also be sidelined for an extended period after requiring surgery to repair a torn hamstring. That blow added to several soft-tissue injuries in January, with Ryley Sanders, Lachie Bramble and Arthur Jones all now recovering.

The Bulldogs will head into 2026 free of the controversies that followed them last pre-season when Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was unable to fulfil his obligations. Shoulder operations in the off-season slowed Ed Richards, Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton initially, but all three have been training well post Christmas. Jedd Busslinger, however, is not expected to join contact training until mid-February. Michael Sellwood will challenge for a defensive post after joining the club as a mid-season draft pick. The Bulldogs have the talent and the game style to challenge after being ultra-competitive in every game but still missing finals last year, when they had a competition-high 10 players take the field in every match.

One to watch: Adam Treloar will be hoping a minor hamstring strain is just a hiccup after an otherwise excellent pre-season.

Adelaide

The Crows will be without Dan Curtin for three months after surgery to repair a dislocated kneecap. That slows his transition into the midfield after a breakout year in 2025, while the suspended Izak Rankine will miss round one and Sid Draper is being brought along slowly after battling groin issues. Luke Nankervis will hope to find a spot on the wing, while versatile recruit Callum Ah-Chee will fill any spot vacant.

A minor hamstring injury to Ben Keays interrupted his training in January. Lachlan McAndrew may have a bigger role as the year progresses with the new ruck rules, although Reilly O’Brien will have first dibs. Jordon Butts adds depth to their backline after a lacerated kidney shortened his season. The disappointing finals exit overshadowed a solid year when they were minor premiers.

One to watch: Can Josh Rachele get a continuous run to influence games inside and forward of centre?

Brisbane Lions

Star recruit Sam Draper faces a delayed start to the season because of a stress fracture, which is a big blow for a Lions team that knows it must evolve to stay ahead of the pack. Oscar Allen is returning from injury and Draper’s setback follows his long lay-off from an Achilles tear. The Lions will be without ACL recoverees Eric Hipwood and Jack Payne as the season starts, but those who had post-season surgery – Jarrod Berry (shoulder), Josh Dunkley (shoulder) and Jaspa Fletcher (shoulder) – are on track for opening round.

Keidean Coleman will slot into defence and Lincoln McCarthy adds depth as they, too, return from knee reconstructions. The midfield is still strong and relatively young, and the new personnel, including highly rated youngster Daniel Annable, means change will happen organically.

One to watch: How will the off-field drama affect Lachie Neale’s form in 2026?

Carlton

The Blues had their traditional pre-season ACL, with Jesse Motlop the unlucky recipient in 2026. And Blake Acres hurt his shoulder again. Although he avoided surgery, it will keep him away from contact training until February. That’s the bad news.

The good news is Jagga Smith is lighting it up after missing his debut season with an ACL, and the addition of father-son Harry Dean, who is a natural competitor. Nic Newman has been pulled back slightly in recent sessions, but he is in good shape after missing 2025 with a patella injury. Zac Williams may return to half-back where he made his name at the Giants as a player who could break lines. The two Sydney additions, Will Hayward and Ollie Florent (who was in concussion protocols last week) will make Carlton more predictable. The conundrum for the Blues is how do they reduce their over-reliance on skipper Patrick Cripps at centre bounces while exploiting his great strength inside the contest?

One to watch: Reality needs to accompany the expectations on Jagga Smith. But watching his evolution alongside Sam Walsh and Cripps will thrill Blues’ fans.

Collingwood

You could almost hear the old men’s muscles popping when Jeremy Howe, Darcy Moore and Dan McStay suffered soft tissue injuries in the first week back from the Christmas break. Moore is touch and go for round one and, although Howe is closer to full training, one calf injury can lead to two and all sorts of issues if the Magpies aren’t careful. Reef McInnes and Harvey Harrison are both on track to make strong returns from ACL injuries, which will add depth.

No one is banking on Bobby Hill’s return. That once again places huge pressure on Jamie Elliott to score, particularly with Brody Mihocek now a Demon. Hopes are high, however, for Jack Buller, who has impressed as a bullocking forward, and Charlie West who played one game last season. Nick Daicos has recovered from the PCL injury he carried late last season and remains the key to this team. He needs support, so moving Josh Daicos into the middle seems a no-brainer. The pressure is on Dan Houston, who is still at least a week away from returning to full training after undergoing a minor hip procedure before Christmas, to perform in defence after an underwhelming first season. If he can, Isaac Quaynor, who remains in and out of the rehab group, as does Beau McCreery, should spend more time in the midfield. Brayden Maynard’s quad injury appears minor, while, of the draftees, Sam Swadling has impressed.

One to watch: Will Craig McRae have the courage to provide opportunities to younger talent?

Essendon

New fitness boss Mathew Inness has everyone at the Bombers hoping – praying – they can address the injury plague that decimated their list in 2025. Nic Martin is out for most of the season with an ACL injury, but ruckman Nick Bryan could be back around Gather Round. Meanwhile, Lachie Blakiston is staking a claim to play ruck. Darcy Parish, a huge asset if his calf and back issues subside, is having a solid pre-season, while Harrison Jones has repaired the shocking ankle injury he suffered in round eight. Nik Cox is a wait-and-see proposition as he attempts a comeback from concussion issues.

Kyle Langford is optimistic last season’s hamstring issues have been addressed after travelling to Aspetar, a private facility in Doha, in the off-season. Jordan Ridley is a constant worry, the talented defender suffering another hamstring injury in November. Zach Reid, who showed his capability early last season before being injured again, has shown up in early match simulations. Shining light from 2025 Archie Roberts might be seen in the midfield occasionally, while Nate Caddy is a genuine talent. A back issue will delay the start for Sullivan Robey, pick No.9 in last year’s national draft.

One to watch: Everyone will be watching Zach Merrett, but, Dyson Sharp, pick No.13 in last year’s national draft, is one of the new crop Essendon hope can build confidence in the club’s direction.

Fremantle

Hayden Young also went to Aspetar after a horrible run in 2025 when hamstring and groin injuries restricted him to just nine matches. His return is the boost the Dockers need to an excellent midfield that has Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw leading the charge. The front half of the ground is where they can improve with Sam Sturt sidelined with an ACL injury.

Despite a few moments he would like again in the elimination final, Josh Treacy had an excellent season but he, Patrick Voss or Jye Amiss need to take the next step and become the first Docker since Matthew Pavlich in 2012 to kick more than 50 goals in a season. Ex-Demon Judd McVee’s role will be interesting, as he was keen to play more midfield minutes and shapes as a wingman. The addition of mature-aged small forwards Tobyn Murray and Leon Kickett indicates the Dockers need to bolster that area.

One to watch: How will Sean Darcy fare under the new ruck rules with plans for Luke Jackson to play a ruck-rover type role?

Geelong

Despite the outstanding performances by the dash brothers Max Holmes and Bailey Smith, the Cats showed at the business end they still rely on Patrick Dangerfield, Jeremy Cameron and Tom Stewart to get them over the line in big games. Cameron has recovered from the broken arm he suffered in the grand final, while Stewart is a slow build after a shoulder operation and missing the decider with concussion.

The failed bid to recruit Rowan Marshall leaves a gap in the ruck division. Rhys Stanley was exceptional in holding the fort last season, but athletic ruckman Mitch Edwards is a big chance to get an early opportunity with Toby Conway’s foot surgery late last year leaving him a bit behind. Tanner Bruhn’s return and James Worpel’s addition bolsters the midfield’s depth while Ty Stengle has an enormous amount of work to do to catch up after an unsettled pre-Xmas period, but at least he is back on a modified program.

One to watch: Can Ollie Henry force his way back into the senior team after a below-par 2025?

Gold Coast

Expectations are high as the Gold Coast build on their first finals win with the addition of Norm Smith medallist Christian Petracca, the return of defender Charlie Ballard and four more top-20 selections in the national draft. The recruiting of wayward yet talented forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is a high-risk, high-reward strategy, but the season won’t rest on his success. One false move and he will be gone.

No.2 selection Zeke Uwland suffered back stress issues. He could still feature early in the season even though the young Suns can be given time as the competition for spots is high. The Suns’ forward line alone could become an embarrassment of riches, with Ugle-Hagan, Ben King, Jed Walter and Ethan Read as talls, and gun midfielder Touk Miller reinventing himself as a forward. Elliott Himmelberg’s ACL will keep him out until the middle of the season, but apart from niggles the rest of the list is tracking well.

One to watch: The matchwinning Bailey Humphrey flirted with a trade but was never going to be released, so eyes will be on his performance.

GWS

Darcy Jones is a huge loss as he recovers from an ACL injury sustained in the elimination final, and the loss of Josh Kelly for hip surgery is a major blow. Kelly showed in the third quarter of the elimination final he is still capable of brilliant football, provided he can get back on the park in 2026, which remains uncertain. Brent Daniels played just six matches last year due to abdominal and adductor injuries, but his progress through pre-season has been solid.

With Clayton Oliver, Jake Stringer, Jayden Laverde and Jesse Hogan on their list, it’s clear the Giants are not afraid to take a punt, but combining those mercurial talents in the one team will be a challenge for coach Adam Kingsley. The degree of difficulty has increased because Oliver (calf), Hogan (foot) and Stringer (calf) have each had slightly interrupted pre-seasons. Toby Greene is recovering from a glute issue and will be brought along conservatively. Kingsley is a good coach who is prepared to stick with their fast-moving game style, but doubts on their consistency remain alive.

One to watch: How will Oliver and Tom Green manage their time at stoppage?

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