Connor Budarick
Quick Stats
Currently injured — out since 3 July 2026 (13d) · High-grade syndesmosis (high ankle sprain) — hurt in the Round 17 loss to Sydney at the SCG (2026-07-03). Scans confirmed the extent; underwent surgery (scheduled 2026-07-08). Out approximately 6-8 weeks, targeting a Round 24 return against Melbourne; season in doubt if the Bulldogs miss finals.
Current Status
High Ankle Sprain
Est. return: Round 24 (17 Aug)
Road to Recovery
Clinical progress for this injury — fitness tests, setbacks, and reassessments as they were recorded.
- R173 July
Occurred
High-grade syndesmosis (high ankle sprain) — hurt in the Round 17 loss to Sydney at the SCG (2026-07-03). Scans confirmed the extent; underwent surgery (scheduled 2026-07-08). Out approximately 6-8 weeks, targeting a Round 24 return against Melbourne; season in doubt if the Bulldogs miss finals.
- 6 July
Progress update
Scans confirmed a high-grade syndesmosis requiring surgery (scheduled 2026-07-08); recovery timeline extended to roughly 6-8 weeks, targeting a Round 24 return against Melbourne.
Return revised: 17 July → 17 Aug
AFL.com.au - 6 July
Reassessment
Scans confirmed a high-grade syndesmosis (high ankle sprain) requiring surgery; sharpened from the general AKXX ankle code.
AFL.com.au - 6 July
Reassessment
Scans confirmed a high-grade syndesmosis requiring surgery (scheduled 2026-07-08); recovery timeline extended to roughly 6-8 weeks, targeting a Round 24 return against Melbourne. Will aim to return for the round 24 game against Melbourne.
Return revised: 17 July → 17 Aug
AFL.com.au
Risk Profile
2 factors identifiedCarrying an ongoing injury from the last 2 weeks — the most recent setbacks weigh heaviest.
Severity-weighted total across 2 recorded injuries — 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 16.6 games (above career avg)
Status: Active
Component Scores
Recent Form (Last 3 Seasons)↗
Up 3.5 games/season from career average
Career: 6 seasons, 55 games (9.2 avg)
Career Timeline (Completed Seasons)
| Season | Games played |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 19 |
Last updated: 13 July 2026
Injury Profile
Injury Categories
8 games missed · Last: July 2026
Durability Impact
2 soft tissue injuries × 5 points = -10 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
2 injuries recorded| Date | Injury | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
3 July 2026R171× · 714.2 km | High Ankle Sprain3 updates ATLH | Moderate (4) | Injured |
11 Apr 2026R51× · 653.6 km | Hamstring Strain2 updates MTMJ | Moderate (4) | Returned |