Collingwood
Rehab is the focus at the Pies, with a number of key players on the recovery track. Lynden Dunn (eyeing a return as early as March) and Matt Scharenberg (five months post-surgery) are returning from knee reconstructions and Tim Broomhead (broken leg) is back running. Jamie Elliott, who has had persistent injuries over recent seasons, has been in full training, while Jeremy Howe (shoulder) is being re-integrated into full training.

Essendon
All eyes are on all-Australian forward Joe Daniher as he returns from osteitis pubis that crippled his 2018 season. The club are taking a cautious approach, as Daniher remains on a light training load. Tom Bellchambers (shoulder) and Orazio Fantasia (finger) will return in 2019. Josh Begley is still recovering from a knee reconstruction seven months ago, while Martin Gleeson will return from a long-term ankle problem in the new year.

Fremantle
Gun recruit Jesse Hogan has begun running following a dreaded navicular injury sustained last season, while Stephen Hill’s persistent quad issue required surgery in early December. Harley Bennell (calf), Connor Blakely (knee) and Griffin Logue (foot) are all sidelined.

Geelong
Geelong big men Esava Ratugolea (ankle) and Wylie Buzza (Lisfranc) have both had interrupted pre-seasons, with Ratugolea having a delayed start and Buzza is still working to build his running capacity. Zach Tuohy underwent minor knee surgery post-season, while Jordan Clark, Nakia Cockatoo and Jordan Cunico have all had tonsil issues.

Gold Coast
Jack Leslie is the only long-term injury headache for the Suns following knee surgery. Sam Day (shoulder), Nic Holman (back) and George Horlin-Smith (shoulder) will all re-join the main group in early 2019.

Greater Western Sydney
The Giants will be hoping 2019 is the year their injury fortunes turn around. Rolls-Royce Josh Kelly has been in rehab following hip surgery, while Toby Green (foot surgery) and Jon Patten (ACL) are in the early stages of their recovery. Aiden Corr, Heath Shaw and Lachie Whitfield will all rejoin the main group in 2019.

Hawthorn
Grant Birchall, who has struggled to get on the track in the past two seasons, suffered another setback earlier this month when he underwent minor knee surgery. Former Giant Tom Scully has begun light training, with the Hawks’ crack medical team firm in the belief they can work their magic on the injury-cruelled wingman. Jarryd Roughead (ankle) and James Frawley (general soreness) are also not on full loads.

Melbourne
Jake Lever had a hiccup in his ACL recovery earlier this month, going in for further surgery. Co-captain Jack Viney underwent post-season surgery on his foot, but is back in training. James Harmes (shoulder), Neville Jetta (shoulder), Clayton Oliver (shoulders) and Christian Petracca (knee) won’t resume training until the new year, while Tim Smith (foot) and Billy Stretch (toe) are taking cautious approaches to pre-season, with Jake Melksham also monitoring ankle and hamstring concerns.

North Melbourne
Ben Brown (hip) and Jack Ziebell (knee) both underwent post-season surgery, with Brown to return in early 2019 and Ziebell already running. Young backman Sam Durdin is expected to recover from his broken leg by February 2019. Majak Daw’s recent incident removes him from any footballing discussion at the moment.

Port Adelaide
Charlie Dixon (leg), Hamish Hartlett (knee) and Tom Rockliff (second shoulder reconstruction) are all set for round one returns next year, while Robbie Gray and Tom Jonas both underwent minor post-season knee clean-ups.

Loading

Richmond
Star recruit Tom Lynch returned to training following a posterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in July. Josh Caddy (ankle), Dylan Grimes (finger) and Jack Riewoldt (shoulder) all had minor post-season surgeries, but have returned to training. Jack Graham is still recovering from a shoulder reconstruction in October.

St Kilda
Former No.1 pick Paddy McCartin, who suffered a Lisfranc injury last season, is expected to return to full training in the new year. Dean Kent, traded from the Demons, will return to training in January after undergoing shoulder surgery. No.4 pick Max King is still recovering from his ACL tear, while Dylan Roberton is on a modified training schedule after he innocuously collapsed during a game last season.

Sydney
Lance Franklin (hip), Kieran Jack (knee) and Zac Jones (knee) are all expected to return to training in early 2019 following surgeries. Sam Naismith is still on light duties after rupturing his ACL early this year. Daniel Menzel underwent surgery on his troublesome groin this month and is expected to return in February, while Callum Mills has successfully returned from a broken foot.

West Coast
Josh Kennedy (shoulder) and Elliot Yeo (toe) both had post-premiership surgery and are expected back in full training in the new year. Nic Naitanui is on track for a mid-2019 return following his second knee reconstruction.

Western Bulldogs
Caleb Daniel (knee) and Jason Johannisen (hip) both went in for minor surgeries post-season, while Liam Picken continues to work back from concussion issues, with no return date in sight. Billy Gowers broke his wrist in a car accident and is training away from the main group.