Carlton Blues Will Hayward and Nick Haynes have been listed as tests ahead of their side's do-or-die Wildcard Round rendezvous with the Melbourne Demons.
Hayward had been suffering from an ankle injury sustained in his side's recent draw with the Western Bulldogs, while Haynes, also suffering from an ankle complaint, will also be eyeing a return for the marquee fixture.
Polarising Hawk Jack Ginnivan has been listed as available, after being rested for the trip west to face the Eagles.
Hawks high performance boss Peter Burge confirmed the club's cautious approach to its high half-forward.
"Jack had been managing some back soreness late in the season, which had improved every week, and including last week, he was actually improving," he said.
"We just took the opportunity to get maximum improvement by missing the Round 24 game, which allowed him to do some conditioning, and he'll resume training on Thursday with the main group, preparing for next week."
Fringe Hawks Noah Mraz and Flynn Perez have also worked their way back into the frame for a September cameo, with both available for the Box Hill Hawks' first final.
Three Hawks are now available heading into VFL and AFL finalshttps://t.co/ov3kUJeM1M
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) August 25, 2026
The Sydney Swans provided an update on a raft of players, as they prepare for a home qualifying final against Brisbane in 11 days' time.
Hayden McLean has been listed as a test as he eyes a return from the AFL's concussion protocols. Lewis Melican (back) is also a test this week, while Joel Amartey (achilles) and star Justin McInerney (hamstring) are at least a week away, each.
Read our latest injury updates heading into the Wildcard Round Byehttps://t.co/lKz48F0Ypr
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) August 25, 2026
Melbourne's Jake Lever has avoided a fracture in his foot, scans revealed, with a ligament strain diagnosed as the cause of the pain.
“Jake sustained a toe injury early in the game but was fortunately able to continue,” said Melbourne high performance boss, Selwyn Griffith.
“Scans have cleared him of any fractures to the bones in his foot, but he does have a ligament strain to his big toe.
“We'll continue to manage his recovery and progress him as his function allows, with the aim of getting him back as quickly as possible.”
Daniel Turner is expected to be available this week, with scans clearing the defender of any substantial damage following a knee hyperextension in a marking contest against the Bulldogs, last time out.
“Disco" hyperextended his knee early in the game,” Griffith said.
“Fortunately, scans have cleared him of any substantial ligament damage.
“He was back into some training today and will integrate into full training in our main session this week, so he'll be available.”
Matthew Jefferson also hyperextended his knee during a tackle and was unable to continue due to soreness and limited function.
“Jeffo" pulled up well and, similar to "Disco", has avoided any substantial ligament damage,” Griffith said.
“He does have a little bit of bone bruising, so we'll progress him based on his pain and function.
“He was out at training today and got some running in. We'll continue to work closely with him to see if we can integrate him this week and have him ready for our finals campaign.”
The Western Bulldogs have announced forward Aaron Naughton is a chance to appear against Collingwood on Friday night.
Naughton hurt his ankle in the third term of his side's victory over the Demons, and as such, the 26-year-old has been listed as a test for this week's clash.
“Aaron landed awkwardly in an aerial contest in the third quarter and damaged a ligament in the outside of his ankle joint, and has associated swelling and symptoms,” Bulldogs head of sports medicine, Chris Bell said.
“With our short turnaround into the Pies on Friday night, we are working around the clock to make sure that his ankle injury improves across the next 72 hours to align his availability for Friday night.”
Ruckman Tim English is yet to be ruled out, as he looks to bounce back from a medial ligament injury, while Nick Coffield is also a test as he works his way through the AFL's concussion protocols.
Tom Liberatore, following minor arthroscopic surgery on his knee, is still a few weeks away from a return, should his beloved Bulldogs still be alive in the premiership race.
Minor premiers Fremantle have announced that All-Australian squad member, Murphy Reid, is a test as he works his way back from a groin complaint.
no game for the boys this week but this is how we’re shaping up on the injury front 🙂↕️#foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/FOCy6ILwxM
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) August 25, 2026
Collingwood announced Isaac Quaynor (glute) is available for their clash with the Western Bulldogs, while Patrick Lipinski (calf) is a test.
Harry Perryman (hamstring) is still at least a week away.
