Carlton coach Josh Fraser says he is preparing for the likelihood that Geelong midfielder Max Holmes will be available for Friday night's elimination final at the MCG, even as the Blues manage their own injury concerns heading into the high-stakes clash.
Fraser expects Holmes to play despite ankle fracture
Holmes has been sidelined since fracturing his ankle in round 19 but has been pushing hard to return for the Cats' do-or-die clash with the in-form Blues. Speaking at his Wednesday press conference, Fraser said his side would prepare for both scenarios but was leaning toward the Geelong speedster taking the field.
"Both. I think we have to be prepared for him to play and for him not to be available to play," Fraser said. "He's a proven player who adds a lot to their side and, at this stage, I'm erring on the side of him being available."
Fraser was candid about the threat Holmes poses when paired with fellow midfielder Bailey Smith, describing their combined running capacity and ball-winning ability as a genuine challenge for Carlton's game plan.
"That poses some real challenge for us, but what we've tried to do is not tie ourselves in knots around the opposition and continue to focus on what we do well," he said. "It's always that balance in being well-prepared for the opposition strengths and making sure you are prepared to bring yours to the table."
Blues sweating on Haynes and Hayward fitness
Carlton's own injury picture is far from clear heading into the elimination final. Defender Nick Haynes, who battled through an ankle complaint during the wildcard win over Melbourne, was not spotted at Wednesday morning's training session and still needs to prove his fitness before selection.
"It's fair to say he was a bit sore post game, and he's probably slowly progressed quite well throughout the week," Fraser said. "He'll need to train again today to prove his fitness, but we're hopeful on that one."
Fraser was similarly guarded — though cautiously optimistic — about forward Will Hayward, who failed to prove his fitness in time for last week's wildcard match. Hayward was sighted completing agility drills during Wednesday's warmup before media were directed to leave the session.
"He needs to train and get through training, and we need to then make an assessment on whether he's fit to perform," Fraser said. "We're hopeful that he's in a better place this time around than what he was last week."
Hayward kicked three goals against Geelong in round 12 and would bring valuable finals experience to Carlton's forward line. Fraser was effusive about his impact on the club both on and off the field, describing him as "an important part of what we've done so far this year" and adding that "if he's fully fit, then he'll be a great addition for us."
Goal and mark of the year finalists announced
Away from the injury news, the AFL has announced its finalists for the 2026 Goal of the Year and Mark of the Year awards, inviting fans to cast their votes and have their say on the season's most spectacular moments.
Supporters have been weighing in on the three finalists in each category, with plenty of strong opinions about whether the right moments made the cut. The awards celebrate the kind of breathtaking skill that defines the season and gives fans something to talk about long after the final siren.
What's next for Carlton and Geelong
The elimination final between Carlton and Geelong is scheduled for Friday night at the MCG. Both clubs will name their teams closer to game time, with the fitness of Holmes, Haynes, and Hayward all expected to be resolved before the sides are locked in. The Blues have emerged as one of the competition's form teams since Fraser took charge, making this one of the most anticipated elimination finals of the season.
