AFL injury news: Updates ahead of Round 15

CARLTON forwards Matthew Cottrell and Harry McKay have both required surgery after receiving specialist advice in recent days.

The Club had been exploring the best course of rehabilitation for Cottrell over the past fortnight and after further consultation, it was determined that surgery is needed this week to correct a navicular stress fracture, unfortunately sidelining the 25-year-old for the remainder of the 2025 season.

“We really feel for Matthew, he’s the definition of a team-first player who’s enjoyment in footy comes from playing his role for the team, which is what we all love about him,” Carlton General Manager of Football Brad Lloyd said.

“He’s an extremely resilient character, who will no doubt attack his rehab and continue to bring his infectious energy around the group over the coming months.”

McKay had been unable to increase his training loads over the last two weeks, leading to further consultation with a specialist late on Monday afternoon.

That consultation resulted in McKay undergoing a knee arthroscope today, with the key forward expected to return to play between Rounds 19 – 21.

“While a minor procedure isn’t ideal for Harry, it gives him the best opportunity to return to play in the back end of the season,” Lloyd said.

In other news, defender Nic Newman has been given the all-clear this week to begin integrating back into full training with the main group. This will be his focus over the next month, before it is determined whether he will be able to return to play late in the season.

After being subbed out of Sunday’s win against West Coast as a precaution, Charlie Curnow has been progressing well and will aim to train fully later this week to be available to play against North Melbourne.

Harry McKay (knee)

- Recovery phase

- Availability: Rounds 19 – 21

- Arthroscope completed on his knee, and will commence his rehab following initial recovery from the procedure

Matthew Cottrell (foot)

- Recovery phase

- Will miss the remainder of the 2025 season

- Has undergone surgery to correct a navicular stress fracture, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2025 season

Hudson O’Keeffe (hamstring)

- Modified program

- Availability: Rounds 18-19

- Scans have confirmed O’Keeffe experienced a low-grade hamstring strain in the third quarter of Sunday night’s win over West Coast.

Charlie Curnow (calf tightness)

- Full training

- Availability: Test

- Will aim to train fully this week to be available to play

Nic Newman (knee)

- Integrate into full training

- Availability: TBC

- Has progressed very well throughout his rehabilitation to now put himself in a position to begin training with the main group. That will be his focus over the next month before it is determined whether he will be able to return to play later in the season

Lachie Cowan (hamstring)

- Full training

- Availability: Test

- Will aim to train this week to be available for selection

Sam Walsh (foot)

- Modified program

- Availability: Rounds 19-20

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