AFL and AFLW Injury Relief: Weitering, Lewis, and Garnett Headline Crucial Returns

The grueling nature of Australian rules football often turns late-season campaigns into wars of attrition, but this week brings a wave of positive news for medical departments across both the AFL and AFLW. As the men's home-and-away season races toward a high-stakes finals series and the women's competition prepares for its opening bounce, a host of pivotal names have been cleared to return to the field. From defensive pillars to dynamic forwards, the influx of returning talent is set to reshape the tactical landscape of the upcoming fixtures.[5]

At Ikon Park, the Carlton Blues have received a significant defensive boost, with star backman Jacob Weitering integrating back into full training following a calf complaint. Weitering will aim to train fully later this week to prove his fitness for selection in Round 22, providing a massive sigh of relief for a Carlton side desperate to solidify its back half. He is joined on the test list by Ashton Moir (calf) and Liam Reidy (concussion), both of whom are also aiming to complete full sessions to make themselves available.[1]

The Hawthorn Hawks are similarly welcoming back a cavalry of talent. Spearhead forward Mitch Lewis remains on track to be cleared from concussion protocols after missing the Round 21 victory over North Melbourne. His return offers a vital focal point for the Hawks' attacking structure. Alongside Lewis, Karl Amon is pushing to return from a knee injury, with Hawthorn High Performance Manager Peter Burge noting that Amon has progressed exceptionally well and is anticipated to complete a full training session.[2]

Hawthorn's good fortunes extend further down the list, with Ned Reeves (knee) and Henry Hustwaite (face) also set to undergo fitness tests. Meanwhile, Jack Dalton, Flynn Perez, and Jack Scrimshaw are all making steady progress in their respective recoveries, pointing to a rapidly strengthening squad just as the pressure of the late season intensifies.[2]

Across town, the Melbourne Demons are preparing for a blockbuster clash against ladder-leading Fremantle, and they could be bolstered by the return of three key players. Daniel Turner, who suffered a rib injury in Round 19, is aiming to be available, with the club's High Performance Manager Selwyn Griffith confirming Turner put together a strong weekend session. Latrelle Pickett has also progressed well through concussion protocols, while Kade Chandler has been given the all-clear to begin running and ball work after fracturing his hand.[4]

Melbourne is also seeing positive strides from veteran Jack Viney, who has returned to train with the main group as he builds his conditioning. While the Demons did lose Blake Howes to a fractured radius requiring surgery, the overall trajectory of their injury list is trending in a positive direction at a crucial moment in the season.[4]

The wave of injury relief is not confined to the men's competition. As the 2026 NAB AFLW season approaches its opening weekend, the GWS Giants are celebrating the impending returns of Daisy Walker and Georgia Garnett. Both players are aiming to be available for the season opener against the West Coast Eagles at ENGIE Stadium. Garnett has returned to team training after recovering from a foot issue, while Walker is poised for an appearance after managing minor bone bruising.[3]

The Giants have also received highly encouraging news regarding Zarlie Goldsworthy, who continues to make significant strides in her rehabilitation from a lower leg fracture. Goldsworthy has officially progressed off crutches and is targeting an early-season return, a testament to her rigorous recovery program and a major boost for the Giants' forward half.[3]

Their Round 1 opponents, the West Coast Eagles, are also seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for several long-term absentees. While they will be without Kayla Dalgleish for the opening weeks due to a hamstring injury, Courtney Rowley is edging closer to a return. Rowley is working through the final stages of her ACL rehabilitation and has successfully integrated into training with the main group, marking a massive milestone in her recovery journey.[7]

In South Australia, the Adelaide Crows are managing their own return-to-play timelines ahead of their clash with Sydney. Eighteen-year-old utility Lucy Waye, who sustained a hand fracture during a match simulation, will continue to train and faces a fitness test for Round 1. Furthermore, Brooke Smith is making excellent progress in her strength work after rupturing her ACL in May, providing an uplifting long-term outlook for the Crows' medical staff.[6]

Ultimately, this widespread clearing of injury lists injects a renewed sense of optimism into club facilities across the country. For the AFL squads fighting for September action, the return of hardened bodies like Weitering and Lewis could be the difference between a premature exit and a deep finals run. For the AFLW programs, getting key personnel back on the park ensures the new season kicks off with the highest possible standard of competition, rewarding the grueling months of behind-the-scenes rehabilitation.[5]