As the Australian Football League finals approach, several clubs face key injury decisions that could influence their line-ups for the upcoming matches.

Geelong is cautiously optimistic about the potential return of Max Holmes, who has been recovering from surgery addressing a fractured ankle and a syndesmosis issue since round 19. Holmes has been training well, but his availability hinges on maintaining fitness throughout the week. Coach Chris Scott acknowledged Holmes’s rapid progress but indicated the team might opt for caution, especially considering a heavy midfield workload faced recently. Forward Oli Wiltshire is expected to be fit for the Cats’ encounter with Carlton.

Carlton expects defender Nick Haynes to be available for selection after sustaining a jarred right ankle. Haynes clarified the injury affected the right ankle, not the previously problematic left one, which has required multiple surgeries. Meanwhile, Will Hayward is moving closer to a return after missing two weeks due to an ankle injury, having recently resumed training at Ikon Park.

Hawthorn enjoys a relatively healthy list, with Conor Nash sidelined due to a neck injury being the sole first-choice midfielder absent. Jack Ginnivan, who missed the round 24 match against West Coast, is set to return for their next game against Fremantle. Jack Dalton and Max Beattie impressed with their performances in the last outing, while VFL players Calsher Dear and Sam Butler remain in contention for senior selection. Coach Sam Mitchell is also contemplating whether to include a second ruckman to support the team against the Dockers.

Fremantle, similar to Hawthorn, will be missing only one key player, Brennan Cox, who is in calf rehabilitation. The Dockers will welcome back Jye Amiss, Heath Chapman, and the retiring Sam Switkowski after resting in round 24. Murphy Reid, recovering from a groin injury, has resumed training and is pushing for selection after a two-week absence.

Sydney faces considerable injury challenges but benefits from squad depth. Key players Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, and Nick Blakey will be absent, though Hayden McLean and Lewis Melican have returned to VFL action. Joel Amartey and Justin McInerney, returning from long-term injuries, could also be considered for senior selection, adding options for the coaching staff.

Brisbane Lions appear well-placed to continue their strong finals campaign. Hugh McCluggage, recovering from a calf injury, is likely to be selected after the additional week of rest. Jack Payne remains sidelined with a knee injury. Coach Chris Fagan has indicated that the challenge lies in selecting which tall defender to omit to accommodate McCluggage, with Ty Gallop and Darcy Gardiner under consideration. Brisbane intends to retain all its tall forwards, including Eric Hipwood and Oscar Allen.

Adelaide must find a replacement for Zac Taylor, with Callum Ah Chee expected back following management in their final regular-season match. James Peatling is poised to return after missing the last game with a hip complaint, while Jordon Butts, sidelined since round 13 with an ankle injury, is pushing for selection. Luke Pedlar remains out for another week.

Western Bulldogs insist Aaron Naughton’s recent soreness was a corked hip pointer rather than a hamstring strain, alleviating concerns. Matt Kennedy will miss due to concussion. The clubs' recent emergencies—Jordan Croft, Lachie Carmichael, and Luke Cleary—are likely to be considered for inclusion, as is Nick Coffield, who could be fit following a concussion sustained in the VFL two weeks ago. The Bulldogs also have midfield flexibility with Rylee West and Ryley Sanders capable of increased time on the ball, and promising performances from Joel Freijah offering further selection options.

As finals intensity builds, these injury updates will shape the respective team strategies in the coming weeks.