The 2026 AFL season is fast approaching, but a startling reality looms for fans: key players are already sidelined, threatening to derail teams before the whistle even blows. With pre-season training in full swing and the home-and-away fixtures just three months away, every club is grappling with the fitness of their squads—and unfortunately, injuries and suspensions are an unavoidable part of the game. Some teams are facing significant gaps right from the start, thanks to lingering issues from 2025 or fresh setbacks that could keep stars on the bench. Imagine the excitement of Round 1 fading when your favorite player isn't there—it's a tough pill to swallow. But here's where it gets controversial: should stricter rules on player conduct prevent these suspensions, or do they serve as necessary reminders of sportsmanship? And this is the part most people miss—the long-term rehab from serious injuries like ACL tears isn't just about missing games; it's a marathon of physical therapy that can reshape a player's career. Let's dive into the details of which players are likely absent for the opening weeks of 2026, team by team, to give you a clear picture of who's ready to rumble and who's on the sidelines recovering.
Starting with Adelaide: Star forward Izak Rankine is serving a four-match ban for using a homophobic slur in the latter part of last season, which means he'll sit out the Crows' Round 1 matchup against Collingwood at the MCG. This suspension, coming on the heels of Adelaide's quick exit from the finals, has sparked debates—do such penalties truly promote inclusivity, or do they sometimes feel like overkill for on-field emotions? Fortunately, it seems to be their only major worry so far. Keep an eye on promising midfielder Sid Draper, who's dealing with a groin strain that's limited his summer training runs. As for veterans like Darcy Fogarty (toe surgery) and Reilly O'Brien (elbow procedure), their off-season operations haven't derailed their pre-seasons significantly, giving the club some breathing room.
Over in Brisbane, Eric Hipwood is the standout absentee after his knee woes resurfaced late in 2025, sidelining him for a big chunk of the year. As the Lions gear up to defend their premiership against the Bulldogs on March 7, they're mostly in good shape, but a few are racing against time, including new recruits Sam Draper (Achilles tendon issues) and Oscar Allen (calf and Achilles concerns). Both are on track to feature in pre-season matches, while Jack Payne (knee) and Noah Answerth (Achilles) aim to bounce back from mid-year injuries to join the defense. It's a reminder of how unpredictable AFL careers can be—one bad tackle, and you're out for months.
Carlton fans might be disappointed to learn that young defender Harry O'Farrell is likely out for most, if not all, of 2026 due to an ACL rupture suffered in August. For beginners, an ACL injury affects the knee's stability, often requiring reconstructive surgery and up to a year of rehab—it's no small setback, and the Blues won't rush his return. On a brighter note, Brodie Kemp could return from his Achilles problems just in time for Round 1. Meanwhile, Nic Newman and Jagga Smith are expected to be fit after their knee issues, and Matt Cottrell's foot concern shouldn't hold him back.
Collingwood appears poised for near-full strength in their Opening Round clash with St Kilda, but several players are pushing boundaries. Beau McCreery's recent foot surgery is keeping him limited in pre-season, though it shouldn't rule him out entirely. Energetic forward Bobby Hill is in a similar boat with hamstring complications, and Reef McInnes, recovering from an ACL injury from March last year, might just make it back. Off-season surgeries for Dan Houston (hip) and Dan McStay (shoulder) have impacted their summer prep, highlighting how these procedures can delay peak performance. Is it fair that recovery timelines vary so much, or should clubs invest more in preventative measures?
Essendon is dealing with a nightmare hangover from 2025's injury woes, which will bleed into 2026. Nic Martin's ACL setback from mid-year already spells the end of his season, while Lewis Hayes, Tom Edwards, and Nick Bryan—all hit by ACL injuries last year—will leave the Bombers short-handed for Round 1 against Melbourne. For context, these knee ligament tears are common in high-contact sports like AFL, often sidelined players for 9-12 months with intensive training to regain strength. Top draft pick Sullivan Robey's back issue shouldn't delay his rookie debut, offering a silver lining.
Fremantle will be without fringe utility Sam Sturt for an extended spell due to ongoing knee problems, including a late-season ACL reconstruction that revealed instability. Veteran Corey Wagner's pectoral muscle tear from the same period required surgery, but he's expected to be ready for their Round 1 game against Geelong. This underscores a controversial point: with rising injury rates, should the AFL implement stricter concussion protocols or better field conditions?
Geelong's primary concern is first-round draftee Harley Barker, whose ACL injury in July means the young South Australian might not grace the field until 2027. Injuries like this can be career-defining, teaching us that patience in rehab is key to long-term success. Watch out for ruckman Toby Conway, plagued by back and foot issues last year, and Jeremy Cameron, who should be fit after his grand final broken arm to face Gold Coast in Round 1.
Gold Coast has Elliott Himmelberg sidelined for much of the year after his ACL tear in May, but with rehab, he could return mid-season. Fellow ex-Crow Charlie Ballard, whose 2025 ended abruptly in Round 1, is primed for an early return when hosting Geelong. It's fascinating how these high-profile signings can change a club's fortunes, yet injuries test that dynamic.
Greater Western Sydney (GWS) faces a tough start with Josh Kelly (hip surgery) potentially out until late in the season, Darcy Jones (ACL from September) in doubt, and Nathan Wardius (knee rupture in August) sidelined long-term. These setbacks remind us that even midfield maestros aren't immune to the game's physical toll.
Hawthorn's Will Day, the best and fairest winner, is gradually ramping up after his foot injury, with hopes of full training by February. Captain James Sicily's shoulder surgery has disrupted his pre-season, but both are expected for Round 1. Midfielder Finn Maginness's kidney issue has him in non-contact drills, and while a debut isn't ruled out, conditions like this raise questions about balancing health and competition—where do we draw the line?
Melbourne will miss key defender Jake Bowey until mid-year due to a Lisfranc injury (a mid-foot sprain that can sideline athletes for months) discovered late in 2025. Under new coach Steven King, this is a blow, compounded by others like Jack Viney, Jack Henderson, and others limited in pre-season. It's a classic example of how one injury can ripple through a team's strategy.
North Melbourne seems relatively healthy for Round 1, though players like Josh Goater, Jackson Archer, and others missed a recent simulation match in Queensland. No major absences reported yet, which is a welcome break.
Port Adelaide's Ollie Wines, the Brownlow winner, sits out two more games of his three-match ban from striking Carlton's Cooper Lord in Round 23, missing clashes with North Melbourne and Essendon before returning for Round 3 against West Coast. Sam Powell-Pepper's ACL from July means he'll start slow. Stars Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis should be fine. Controversially, do suspensions deter rough play, or do they unfairly penalize passion?
Richmond's Judson Clarke is out after his second ACL in two years from a VFL game in July, his last AFL appearance in 2024's Round 2. Thomas Sims (foot) and Josh Smillie (quad surgery) might miss early rounds. This pattern begs the question: are young players being pushed too hard too soon?
St Kilda's Max King has knee concerns delaying his return until late January, potentially jeopardizing Round 1. Mason Wood (calf) and Jack Silvagni (groin) are uncertain but unlikely to miss the start, while Alex Dodson (hamstring) is set for mid-January. It's a tightrope walk for coaches.
Sydney's Taylor Adams faced a partial Achilles tear in December but should train soon, keeping Round 1 hopes alive against Carlton. Callum Mills (hamstring from November) is on track. Quick recoveries highlight modern sports medicine.
West Coast's Liam Baker misses Round 1 due to a one-game ban for rough conduct on Chad Warner, returning against North Melbourne. Jack Hutchinson (ankle stress fracture) and Sam Allen (ACL) will be absent early. These rulings spark debate on what constitutes fair play.
Western Bulldogs have several, including Ryley Sanders (hamstring), Cody Weightman (knee, missing all of 2025), and stars Ed Richards, Sam Darcy, and Aaron Naughton (shoulder reconstructions), but none are expected to miss Round 1 against Brisbane.
There you have it—a comprehensive look at the absentees shaping the 2026 AFL kickoff. From suspensions that stir debates on discipline to injuries teaching lessons in resilience, it's a sport full of twists. What do you think—should teams invest more in injury prevention, or are these setbacks just part of the thrill? Do you agree with the length of these suspensions, or disagree? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear differing opinions!
