Carlton Injury Update: Adam Cerra Timeline Ahead of AFL Opening Round
Written by Terry Dehghani
Carlton’s latest training session provided fresh insight into the current injury list as well as key positional battles ahead of the 2026 AFL season. Several senior players were on modified programs, while a number of younger names featured prominently during match simulation. Below is a breakdown of what I observed at training and what it may mean moving forward.
I also spoke with Heath Buck from My Blue Heaven about his thoughts on the session, general pre-season themes & a look ahead to the Practice Match against Geelong on Wednesday evening at IKON Park.
Watch the full Blue Abroad training report below for an in-depth breakdown and reaction.
Here are some updates on what we think we know about the current state of Carlton’s injury list
Carlton Injury Update | Modified Program Players
Jacob Weitering: Did not participate in match simulation, was seen doing some light skills work away from the main group.
Harry O’Farrell: Continues to work on his running. No updates on an exact timeline for his return, but it is reasonable to assume some time late in season 2026 if all goes well
Lachie Cowan (calf): Did not participate in the match simulation, rather was seen running laps, working his way back to full fitness after a calf complaint.
Matthew Carroll (hamstring): Did not participate in the match simulation. Looked to be moving more freely compared to a week ago where he was seen with a sleeve on his upper leg.
Hudson O’Keefe: Did not participate in the match simulation. Looked to be doing some light movement to the other side of the oval.
Matthew Cottrell (knee): Did not participate in the match simulation, rather was running laps together with Lachie Cowan & Matthew Carroll.
Nic Newman: Took part in the early skills drills but did not participate in the match simulation.
Nick Haynes: Did not participate in the match simulation, rather was doing a lighter session away from the main group.
Adam Cerra: Took no part in training but was spotted in the gym doing what would seem to be rehab work on his hamstring. Just so unfortunate to have another hamstring issue which plagued him throughout 2023 & 2024. The latest timeline tells us there is an expectation that he will be out for approximately 8 weeks
Match Simulation Observations
Some thoughts I noted down during the match simulation included:
Talor Byrne in the Navy Team (which seemed to be the better side between the two). Not sure if this is deemed to be the “1st choice team” or whether it is simply for matchup purposes.
Jordan Boyd in the Navy Team, Adam Saad in the Orange team. I wonder how this position develops over the course of the year.
Will Hayward in the Navy Blue team doesn’t panic in traffic, and seems to know how to find the right option in space.
Jagga Smith in the Navy Blue team knows where the ball is going to be rather than chasing where the ball currently is. Well positioned for a goal early in the match simulation
Elijah Hollands in the Navy Team looks to have a serious pep in his step. Is the announcement of him earning his spot back on the list only a matter of days now?
Billy Wilson in the Orange Team looks an exciting type when he takes off and runs with ball in hand, but at this stage leaves plenty for the imagination. It’s a big year for him. Is this the year he makes the leap?
Ollie Hollands in the Navy Blue Team does every single 1%er. Shepherds after a handball, creates space for others with his running etc. Must be a dream to coach.
Sam Walsh in the Navy Blue Team looks to have all the elements coming together. Size, speed, power & skill. Just needs to stay healthy.
Final Thoughts
Carlton’s injury management and internal competition for spots will shape the early rounds of 2026. With key players returning and young talent pushing for selection, the coming weeks at training will be crucial.
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