Quick Stats
Currently injured — out since 16 Aug 2026 (59d) · Right foot injury landing from a high mark over Ryley Sanders in the third quarter against the Western Bulldogs — the foot bent awkwardly on landing, with fears of a syndesmosis injury. Kicked a goal after the incident but had little mobility, and was taken out of the game with 10 minutes remaining. Awaiting scans.
Current Status
High Ankle Sprain
Targeting Round 1, 2027
Road to Recovery
Clinical progress for this injury — fitness tests, setbacks, and reassessments as they were recorded.
- R2316 Aug
Occurred
Right foot injury landing from a high mark over Ryley Sanders in the third quarter against the Western Bulldogs — the foot bent awkwardly on landing, with fears of a syndesmosis injury. Kicked a goal after the incident but had little mobility, and was taken out of the game with 10 minutes remaining. Awaiting scans.
- 18 Aug
Progress update
ReassessmentAFL Medical Room R24 puts Will Hayward at 1 week, replacing the previously held return date. Will Hayward | Ankle | 1 week
Return now expected 25 Aug
AFL.com.au - 25 Aug
Progress update
AFL Medical Room FW1 carries Hayward as a test on the ankle ahead of the wildcard final against Melbourne
AFL.com.au - 25 Aug
Progress update
Anchored to the wildcard final against Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday night, the next game Carlton play
Return revised: 25 Aug → 29 Aug
AFL.com.au - 25 Aug
Progress update
AFL Medical Room FW1 carries Hayward as a test on the ankle ahead of the wildcard final against Melbourne Will Hayward | Ankle | Test
AFL.com.au - 25 Aug
Reassessment
Anchored to the wildcard final against Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday night, the next game Carlton play Will Hayward | Ankle | Test
Return revised: 25 Aug → 29 Aug
AFL.com.au - 27 Aug
Setback
Not named for the Wildcard final against Melbourne — still recovering from the ankle injury sustained taking a mark against the Western Bulldogs.
AFL.com.au - 1 Sept
Progress update
Club update ahead of the elimination final names an ankle fitness test this week — described as line ball to push for selection against Geelong on Friday.
zerohanger.com - 6 Sept
Setback
Carlton played their elimination final without him — the hamstring has not come up.
- 20 Sept
Progress update
The club's 2026 season is over and no fixture remains, so the lapsed return forecast is retired to the 2027 pre-season; the next possible return is pre-season training.
Return revised: 5 Sept → 1 Mar
Risk Profile
2 factors identifiedCarrying an ongoing injury from the last 2 months — the most recent setbacks weigh heaviest.
Severity-weighted total across 1 recorded injury — more severe injuries weigh more; those older than 24 months count half.
Note:Risk factors are derived from a heuristic (injury history, age, workload, recurrence) — a placeholder while the ML model is pending. Bars show each driver's relative contribution, not an exact running total.
Career Durability
2026 Season (Active)↘️
On pace for 16.7 games (below career avg)
Status: Active
Component Scores
Recent Form (Last 3 Seasons)→
Career: 9 seasons, 184 games (20.4 avg)
Career Timeline (Completed Seasons)
| Season | Games played |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 17 |
| 2018 | 23 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2023 | 23 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 21 |
Last updated: 12 Oct 2026
Injury Profile
Injury Categories
1 games missed · Last: Aug 2026
Durability Impact
1 soft tissue injuries × 5 points = -5 penalty
Travel Burden
Interstate flights only. Same-state and home-venue games count as 0 travel. Excludes games the player did not feature in.
Season Availability
Every round of the season — played, missed to injury, and what's ahead.
Injury History
1 injury recorded| Date | Injury | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
16 Aug 2026R23 | High Ankle Sprain10 updates ATLH | Minor (1) | Injured |