I once heard an AFL season called a ‘War of Attrition’.
Are you familiar with that term? It is described as a war that is fought over a long period and only ends when one side has neither the soldiers and equipment nor the determination left to continue fighting.
Even before the 2025 AFL season is a month away, already teams are losing soldiers, with the past week seeing them drop like flies.
Let’s have a look at some of the more prominent names that could be missing from Round One.
SAM WALSH – HAMSTRING
This is a setback more than a “put a line through him” situation.
Walsh may make it back in time for the first week, and has a tremendous fitness base to hold him in good stead, however, this is the third-straight season Walsh has experienced a pre-season setback, and this cannot be a great sign for a long season.
What does it mean for Carlton?
It means that they need to realise Walsh is not a machine, and perhaps start easing him into pre-seasons. Three pre-season injuries in a row should not be ignored.
NIC NEWMAN – RUPTURED PATELLA
He’s gone for the year.
Massive blow for the Blues, as Newman is one of their more reliable performers. He is also one of the few who, when things were falling apart for the Blues, actually looked like he gave a shit.
What does it mean for Carlton?
I like Newman, but if there is one spot the Blues have cattle, it is at half-back. Sam Docherty back and healthy might be the tonic to cover Newman’s absence.
TODD MARSHALL – ACHILLES TENDON
Another gone for the year.
He has had a horrible run, but if there is any silver lining to this situation, at least it was not another concussion-related injury. Marshall will now be out of action for the season, and can hopefully get a clean run at 2026. Seems so far away, doesn’t it?
What does it mean for Port?
Lukosius absolutely starts forward, now. It also places a little more focus on Mitch Georgiades, up forward.
ELLIOT YEO – MEDIAL LIGAMENT AND SYNDESMOSIS INJURIES
A double-whammy for the West Coast midfielder, but it could have been worse, as there were fears he may have suffered an ACL injury.
He will not be available for the start of the season, and may miss the first month.
What does it mean for West Coast?
More pressure on Harley Reid to be a competitive beast, but it also opens the door for Jack Graham to slot in and play that two-way role Yeo is so good at.
MATTAES PHILLIPOU – FIBULA STRESS FRACTURE
It’ll be 2-3 months out before he can get back into shape.
Ouch… I am not a Saints fan, and this one still cuts deep.
Phillipou was the name on everyone’s lips at Moorabbin as the man best-placed to breakout in 2025. He is going to have a long way to go to catch up when he gets back.
What does it mean for St Kilda?
It is huge body blow – I hate writing about it. Not only does it ruin his preseason, it means he will be playing catchup all year to find full fitness. It might not put the brakes on his 2025, but it sure as hell lowers his speed limit.
DOUGAL HOWARD – DISLOCATED SHOULDER
In doubt for Round One
It occurred in a marking contest, with Howard sent for scans. Reports are not to hand as yet, as to how long his recovery will be, but five weeks out, this is a major setback in a defence that needs a strong defensive presence to free up Cal Wilkie.
What does it mean for St Kilda?
Pressure on Wilkie, more responsibility for Zaine Cordy, and maybe they’re tempted to start Cooper Sharman in defence if Howard isn’t right. Not ideal…
ROWAN MARSHALL – STRESS FRACTURE IN PELVIS
Timeline unknown
Ground a bit firm these days at Moorabbin? This is the second bloke with a stress fracture from the group… unless he has stressed out his pelvis in another way, I guess?
The Saints are being careful with him, and expect to manage the condition to ensure he is right for their first game. Fingers crossed. Maybe legs, too.
What does it mean for St Kilda?
It means that they hope like hell he doesn’t do anything to exacerbate this condition. Put a chastity belt on him, or something. Rowan… no vigorous thrusting, okay?
Seriously, though, I reckon he’ll recover relatively quickly.
TIM ENGLISH – ABDOMINAL INJURY
Timeline unknown, but short term expected.
The Dogs have a plethora of talls, so this isn’t too much of a concern. It was also a contact injury, so chances are he goes on light duties for a while and is right to go for Round One. Some are saying he could be in doubt for Round One, but to me, that would indicate there are broken ribs involved. If it is just a knock, he’ll be good.
What does it mean for the Dogs?
Not a lot, unless there are complications. I reckon they just nurse him back to health and he’ll be right to go.
JAMARRA UGLE-HAGAN – PERSONAL REASONS
Timeline is indefinite
Putting it out there – I don’t think we’ll see Jamarra in 2025. Happy to be wrong, but signs point to something being pretty wrong in relation to the burgeoning star, which is a massive shame, and a huge blow to the Dogs.
What does it mean for the Dogs?
This is not only terrible for this season, but for what it means in terms of the future for the club, as well. Jamarra was viewed as a ‘can’t miss’ prospect, and right now, he’s missing.
CALSHER DEAR – BONE STRESS IN BACK
Timeline indefinite
Not the news you wanted to hear before Christmas for Hawks fans, as Dear was instrumental in their 2024 surge, particularly with Mitch Lewis still recovering from his ACL injury. Hopefully, this is a short term injury, but it needs to be managed very carefully, as the next step is stress fractures… and in the back, they have a high chance of recurrence.
What does it mean for the Hawks?
It places a lot of pressure on Mabior Chol, and perhaps James Sicily, to stand up and provide marking targets inside 50. It might be the Hawks’ Achilles Heel. Let’s hope they don’t rupture it like Todd Marshall.
NOAH BALTA – SUSPENSION
Four weeks
Balta’s court case is upcoming, but that’s not stopping Richmond from handing out their own form of ‘justice’, suspending their swingman for the first four games of the 2025 season. Must mean he’ll plead guilty?
Sometimes, I think losing a fight can be a better outcome.
Interestingly, West Coast haven’t suspended Liam Ryan for his role in a videotaped street fight a couple of weeks ago – maybe they’re just allowing the police to police things?
What does it mean for the Tigers?
It takes away the player that was arguably their best key defender. Takes a team expected to be poor, and makes things more difficult in 2025.
JORDAN RIDLEY – HAMSTRING
Short term – should be right for R1
Exactly the news you don’t want to hear at the moment, Bomber fans.
Fear not, the club has called it a ‘setback’, and believes he will be back pretty quickly, as it is only minor. He is expected to be available for the AAMI series practice game. Fingers crossed.
What does this mean for the Bombers?
Frustration. They just need this bloke to get through a season without injury. He is so important.
JOSH SMILLIE – MINOR HAMSTRING
The Tigers have called this one minor, but you hate to see a young kid with any injuries heading into year one. Should be available for early games of the season, and perhaps the AAMI Series clash against Collingwood later in February.
What does it mean for the Tigers?
It takes further wind out of the sails, with the Tigers wanting to get a good look at Smillie through the pre-season, but this is far from the end of the world.
More info on any others, or further developments regarding the players listed, as they come to hand. Cheers.
As always, massive thanks to those who support this work. You can see the amount of care that goes into it. I love footy, I love writing about it, and I hope you enjoy reading it. Without you, this whole thing falls over. Sincerely… thank you – HB
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