AFL 2026: Injured star Will Hayward in race against time for Carlton’s knockout final

Carlton forward Will Hayward must train and pull up without concern to secure his place in Friday night’s blockbuster elimination final against Geelong.

Hayward has not played since the penultimate round of the season after suffering an ankle injury while taking a soaring mark against the Western Bulldogs.

The dynamic forward was in strong form before his setback, kicking nine goals across his past four matches.

Carlton coach Josh Fraser said Hayward’s selection would hinge on him completing his diligent recovery.

“He needs to train, get through training and then we’ll make an assessment on whether he’s fit to perform,” Fraser said of Hayward, who kicked three goals against Geelong earlier this year.

“That’s the same approach we’ve taken with all our players this year, but we’re hopeful he’s in a better place this time around than he was this time last week.

“I haven’t seen him train yet (this week)… he did a power of work to get himself to a point to be considered last week.

“Ultimately, we felt he wasn’t ready, so I will be interested to see what version we get of him today. I do know he’s left no stone unturned in being ready to play.

“I think the way Will plays, the position we want him to play, is what we will look at and he’s a quality player, he’s added enormously to our playing group.

“He’s an important part of what we’ve done this year. If he’s fully fit, he will be a great addition for us.”

Carlton has won four of its past five against Geelong, including a heart-stopping four-point triumph early in the Fraser run.

Fraser can’t pinpoint what advantage the Blues have over the Cats, but he is eager for his club to become as predictably powerful moving forward.

“I probably don’t have a strong answer on it other than historically certain teams do match up well against other sides,” he said.

“What I do know about them is the quality of team they are and have been for a long period of time.