Internal recruits: The players who will return from long-term injuries in 2017

But for many clubs, it’s the players returning from long term injuries that will make the biggest impact in 2017.

While teams such as Adelaide and GWS remained relatively healthy throughout 2016, others couldn’t take a trick on the injury front.

Strangely, the premiers will welcome back a salivating number of stars to give themselves an enviable chance of going back-to-back in 2017.

We’ve gone through each club and nominated its “internal recruits” — the important players who will return to the field next season after missing the majority, or entirety, of the 2014 season.

ADELAIDE

As flagged earlier, the Crows remained almost entirely injury free throughout 2016. Indeed, after Round 15 Adelaide had used 27 players — 11 fewer than Collingwood and the Suns — and by their semi-final defeat that number had only increased by two. Nineteen players played 20 or more games. While the Crows’ season was strong, they wont be relying on any big inclusions to help them climb the ladder.

BRISBANE

Dayne Beams’chronic knee injury only compounded Brisbane’s miserable 2016 campaign. The veteran midfielder battled tendinitis and underwent surgery in May, all but ensuring he wouldn’t feature again under coach Justin Leppitsch. Younger brother Claye also succumbed to a knee injury midway through the season. But it’s arguably the elder of the two brothers that new coach Chris Fagan will be sweating on. At his best, Beams is one of the most damaging midfielders in the competition.

CARLTON

After playing the first 10 games of 2016, skipper Marc Murphy was unable to overcome an ankle injury he sustained against Geelong in May. The Blues will welcome the return of not only their leader, but a key cog in their midfield. When Murphy plays alongside Bryce Gibbs and Patrick Cripps, Carlton’s midfield can match it with most teams in the competition. They need him back.

COLLINGWOOD

It’s no secret the Magpies were savaged by injuries in 2016. It’s also no secret their performances were inconsistent and far below preseason expectations. If Nathan Buckley’s men are to play finals in 2017, a fit and firing Jamie Elliott will more than help their chances. Elliott (back) didn’t feature in 2016, after three consecutive seasons of kicking 30+ goals. Alex Fasolo only managed 12 games and will also be a welcome return in the forward line.

ESSENDON

While most supporters will be hotly anticipating the return of the suspended Bombers, vice-captain Mark Baguely (knee) will also be a welcome addition. The 29-year-old played the first 11 games of 2016, with his leadership on and off the field invaluable given the suspensions to most senior players.

FREMANTLE

Could there be a bigger star to return than Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe? The 25-year-old bravely played with a broken leg in the 2015 preliminary final against Hawthorn, but when that same leg fractured in Round 5 against Carlton, Fyfe’s season hung by a thread. After it became apparent the Dockers weren’t bound for finals, Fyfe ruled out returning until 2017. And boy oh boy, do Fremantle need their champion. Harley Bennell (calf) is also poised to make his debut for Fremantle.

GEELONG

Jackson Thurlow proved to be the antithesis of most Geelong players this year. The up and coming defender played 19 games in 2015 and was aiming to consolidate his form before tearing his ACL in the NAB Challenge. He’s on track for a Round 1 return, which is important given the retirement of superstar backman Corey Enright.

GOLD COAST

Before the trade period, this section would have been reserved for the return of Jaeger O’Meara. But in his absence, or at least in his defection to Hawthorn, David Swallow is the player Gold Coast fans should be excited to welcome back. The 23-year-old has only managed six games in the past two seasons because of knee and hamstring concerns. In 2014 — when he played 22 games — Swallow averaged 23.3 disposals and kicked 15 goals. In the absence of O’Meara and Dion Prestia (Richmond) it’s critical he gets his body right for 2017.

GWS

After being cursed by the injury gods in 2015, the Giants’ list remained relatively injury free. There are no big names to welcome back, with several injured players including Jack Steele (foot) and Paul Ahern (knee) now at other clubs.

HAWTHORN

The Hawks’ good luck ended on a few fronts in 2016. A number of high profile players including captain Luke Hodge struggled to stay healthy, while Jarryd Roughead put his career on ice to deal with the devastating news his melanoma had resurfaced. Jon Ceglar (ACL) won’t feature for most of 2017, but there are no other long term injuries to return.

MELBOURNE

While the Demons climbed to new heights in 2016, rebounding defender Heritier Lumumba struggled to find fitness and form, with a string of concussions limiting the premiership player to only five matches. At 29 years old, he brings a wealth of experience, not to mention flair, to the Melbourne backline. He could prove to be important as the Demons seek to make finals for the first time since 2006.

NORTH MELBOURNE

Mason Wood earned some notoriety when he exhausted the shot clock to seal the Kangaroos’ win over St Kilda in Round 7. Some weeks later, that reputation grew when he was linked to the Swans. The 23-year-old showed glimpses of brilliance, but a knee injury limited him to only eight games. He will need to step up given the losses of Brent Harvey and Nick Dal Santo. Young gun Taylor Garner (knee/hamstring) will also return after playing a miserly three matches in 2016.

PORT ADELAIDE

As one of the fastest men in the competition, Matthew White will be a huge inclusion for the Power in 2017. The 29-year-old had a shocking run with injuries this year, tearing his pectoral in Round 1, before fracturing his cheekbone in the SANFL in August. White’s line breaking abilities complement Port Adelaide’s gung-ho style of footy. His return is crucial.

RICHMOND

With Brett Deledio now a Giant, the Tigers’ biggest inclusion for 2017 is former Blue Chris Yarran. The 25-year-old didn’t feature in the yellow and black, with his mental health issues crippling his ability to train. Damien Hardwick touted Yarran as the “cherry on top” when he was snatched up by the club. His ability has never been questioned, but whether he can find his best form is anyone’s guess.

ST KILDA

Jake Carlisle will be the Saints biggest inclusion for 2017. But in terms of the injury stakes, Hugh Goddard is set to return some time in June. The emerging defender ruptured his achilles against Adelaide in Round 11. Along with Carlisle, the Saints’ backline will be well stocked, despite the retirement of Sam Fisher.

SYDNEY

Could this be the year Alex Johnson returns to play AFL? The luckless Swan signed a one-year contract extension last week, keeping his dream of playing at the highest level again alive. Johnson, 24, hasn’t played since Sydney’s 2012 grand final. In those four years, he’s undergone a staggering five knee reconstructions. Sam Reid (achilles) is another premiership Swan who failed to get on the park in 2016. A talented swingman, Reid’s versatility was missed as the Sydney backline succumbed to injuries late in the season.

WEST COAST

Unfortunately for the Eagles, the player they want back the most won’t be available until the twilight of the 2017 season. Nic Naitanui (ACL) was immense throughout 2016, single-handedly pulling the Eagles over the line against GWS with a goal on the siren. Mitch Brown struggled for consistency, but has since been delisted.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

It seems strange to think the reigning premiers have the best crop of players returning from long term injuries in 2017. But with captain Bob Murphy (ACL), midfielder Mitch Wallis (leg) and forward Jack Redpath (ACL) all set to return, it’s easy to see how the Bulldogs will be challenging for next year’s flag. The heartbeat of the club, Murphy is on track to return in the opening three rounds of the season. Young defender Marcus Adams was another decent player to miss chunks of 2016.

Originally published as When old is new: injured players set to return