Essendon’s AFLW forward half could be bolstered by the returns of Sophie Alexander and Daria Bannister from respective injuries this weekend.

The experienced pair will both be tests for Saturday’s away clash against the GIANTS, with Alexander (back) and Bannister (knee soreness) making great progress over the last fortnight.

Georgia Nanscawen suffered a minor fracture in her hand during last week's loss to West Coast but is still expected to play if she gets through main training well.

It’s a similar approach for Steph Cain, who copped a foot injury on Friday and is building her training loads as the week progresses. She’ll also be a test for round eight. 

Zoe Prowse (bone stress) and Emma Dineen (back) will miss the remainder of the 2026 season with their respective injuries - both will be ready for a 2027 pre-season return. 

Injury List

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Player Injury Estimated Return
3. Daria Bannister

3. Daria Bannister

Knee Test

Bannister will be a test to take on GWS after suffering from knee soreness in recent weeks.

5. Georgia Nanscawen

5. Georgia Nanscawen

Hand Test

Nanscawen will be a test after suffering a minor hand fracture against West Coast.

20. Stephanie Cain

20. Stephanie Cain

Foot Test

Cain will be a test after injuring her foot against West Coast.

24. Sophie Alexander

24. Sophie Alexander

Back Test

Sophie Alexander suffered a knock to the back in round four.

19. Emma Dineen

19. Emma Dineen

Back Season

Emma Dineen has suffered a lower back injury which will see her unavailable for selection this season.

26. Zoe Prowse

26. Zoe Prowse

Foot (bone stress) Season

Prowse suffered a season-ending bone stress injury against the Eagles.

36. Brooke Brown

36. Brooke Brown

Bone stress Season

Brown will be sidelined for the season with a bone stress injury.

3. Daria Bannister

3. Daria Bannister

Bannister will be a test to take on GWS after suffering from knee soreness in recent weeks.

Injury: Knee
Est. Return: Test
5. Georgia Nanscawen

5. Georgia Nanscawen

Nanscawen will be a test after suffering a minor hand fracture against West Coast.

Injury: Hand
Est. Return: Test
20. Stephanie Cain

20. Stephanie Cain

Cain will be a test after injuring her foot against West Coast.

Injury: Foot
Est. Return: Test
24. Sophie Alexander

24. Sophie Alexander

Sophie Alexander suffered a knock to the back in round four.

Injury: Back
Est. Return: Test
19. Emma Dineen

19. Emma Dineen

Emma Dineen has suffered a lower back injury which will see her unavailable for selection this season.

Injury: Back
Est. Return: Season
26. Zoe Prowse

26. Zoe Prowse

Prowse suffered a season-ending bone stress injury against the Eagles.

Injury: Foot (bone stress)
Est. Return: Season
36. Brooke Brown

36. Brooke Brown

Brown will be sidelined for the season with a bone stress injury.

Injury: Bone stress
Est. Return: Season

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