2026 AFL Grand Final Players injury list, Who's In, Who's Out, UPDATED

2026 AFL Grand Final Players injury list, Who'in Who's Out, Latest Medical Updates from Fremantle and Brisbane Lions Team List




Everything you need to know about this year's premiership decider between Fremantle and Brisbane, who go clinch the Premiership title or their scores go in vain.

It's finally here, the 2026 AFL Grand Final is set to take place at the MCG this Saturday at 2:30pm, with the Fremantle Dockers hoping to win their first every premiership, and the Brisbane Lions looking to secure a three-peat.




Brisbane Lions Injury List for AFL Grand Final

Player           Injury    Estimated Return
Noah AnswerthAnkleTest
Lachie NealeSuspensionSeason
Jack PayneKneeSeason
Henry SmithFootSeason
Reece TorrentAnkleSeason
Zane ZakostelskyKneeSeason


Updated: September 23, 2026



In the Mix

Lachie Neale's failed Tribunal hearing on Tuesday night means Brisbane will need to make at least one change for the Grand Final, unless he successfully appeals the suspension.

Noah Answerth remains a strong chance to return after training well on Tuesday. He will undergo a fitness test on Thursday to determine whether he is available for the decider.

If Answerth is selected, he could return to defence, with Jaspa Fletcher potentially moving to the wing and Levi Ashcroft and Hugh McCluggage taking on greater midfield responsibilities.

If Answerth is unavailable, Bruce Reville, Lincoln McCarthy, Dan Annable and Will McLachlan are among the players who could come into consideration.



Fremantle Dockers Injury List for AFL Grand Final

Player   Injury   Estimated Return
Ollie MurphyCalfSeason
Aiden RiddleFootTest
Sam SturtHamstringTBC


Updated: September 23, 2026


In the Mix

Brennan Cox has been cleared to return after recovering from a calf injury and completing an AFL-level training session on Saturday.

The key defender was withdrawn from Peel Thunder's WAFL Grand Final team on Sunday so he could prepare for Saturday's AFL Grand Final. The Dockers' selection committee must now decide whether to bring him back after he has been out since August 22.

Oscar McDonald has performed well in Cox's absence and appears the most likely player to make way if Cox returns. While Cox remains part of Fremantle's best 23, his lack of recent match continuity will be considered by coach Justin Longmuir.

Other players in contention include ruckman Sean Darcy, small defender Brandon Walker, Chris Scerri, and wingmen Nathan O'Driscoll and Jaeger O'Meara. However, Fremantle's recent stability and relatively healthy squad could make selection changes more difficult.



What time does the 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final start?


THE 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final between Brisbane and Fremantle starts at 2.30pm AEST on Saturday, September 26.

This will be the first time that these two clubs have faced each other in any final, let alone a Grand Final, in AFL history. 

AEST (local): 2.30pm – ACT, NSW, QLD, TAS, VIC
ACST: 2pm - SA, NT
AWST: 12.30pm – WA


How to watch the Brisbane vs Fremantle AFL Grand Final Live


Fans in Australia can watch the game on TV exclusively LIVE on Channel Seven and 7plus in 1080p HD. Match coverage begins at 2pm AEST, ahead of the first bounce at 2.30pm AEST. 

Fans outside Australia can catch the game via Watch AFL. Check out the full broadcast guide here.


_______


0 Comments