Injury 'Carnage' Hits Top AFL Clubs

At least $6 million in talent set to be sidelined for weeks

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:33pm

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Several top Australian Football League (AFL) clubs are dealing with a rash of injuries that will sideline key players for extended periods. Injuries to stars like Connor Rozee, Christian Petracca, Isaac Heeney, Callum Ah Chee, and Tom Lynch are expected to keep them out for 4-12 weeks, costing their teams over $6 million in lost talent.

Why it matters

The spate of soft tissue injuries across the league has been described as "carnage" and highlights the physical toll the faster-paced game is taking on players as they adjust to new rule changes. Losing high-priced talent for significant stretches will be a major challenge for these contending clubs.

The details

Port Adelaide's $1.5 million a season midfielder Connor Rozee suffered a high-grade hamstring tendon injury that could keep him out 8-12 weeks. Gold Coast's $1.4 million recruit Christian Petracca has a hamstring tear that will sideline him 4-8 weeks. Sydney star Isaac Heeney, Adelaide's $1 million signing Callum Ah Chee, and Richmond's $1.6 million forward Tom Lynch also suffered soft tissue injuries.

  • On Sunday, Rozee was injured in the third quarter of Port Adelaide's win over Essendon.
  • On Saturday, Petracca was hurt in the third quarter of Gold Coast's win over Richmond.
  • On Friday, Ah Chee was injured in Adelaide's loss to the Western Bulldogs.

The players

Connor Rozee

A $1.5 million a season midfielder for Port Adelaide who suffered a high-grade hamstring tendon injury.

Christian Petracca

A $1.4 million a season recruit for Gold Coast who suffered a hamstring tear.

Isaac Heeney

A $1 million a season star midfielder for the Sydney Swans.

Callum Ah Chee

A $1 million a season recruit for the Adelaide Crows who suffered another hamstring strain.

Tom Lynch

A $1.6 million a season key forward for the Richmond Tigers.

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What they’re saying

“It doesn't look great. Initially there was a bit of nerve damage and (he) couldn't feel his leg ... it looks likely a tendon involved. Fingers-crossed it's not, but that is probably the most likely scenario. It could be a significant injury.”

— Josh Carr, Port Adelaide Coach

“I think this is something we're going to see a little bit more of at the moment until players and staff both work out the demands of the game. It'll slow down, defences start to get the ascendency and start to work out how to play this and work the rules better.”

— Kate McCarthy, Channel 7 AFL Expert

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This rash of injuries across the league highlights the physical toll the faster-paced game is taking on players as they adjust to new rule changes, raising concerns about player safety and the long-term impact on high-priced talent.