Geelong Cats can provide the following Deakin AFLW Health Update ahead of its Round 5 game against Adelaide on Saturday at Unley Oval.

The Cats will be without defender Emma Kilpatrick for the remainder of the 2026 AFLW season after scans confirmed she will require surgery on her dislocated shoulder. 

Kilpatrick sustained the injury in Round 3 against the Gold Coast Suns and underwent further assessment last week to determine the extent of her injury. At this stage she will have surgery late September to allow time for the swelling around the injury to subside.

Geelong Cats General Manager - AFLW Dom Condo said, “While it’s disappointing that Emma will miss the remainder of the season, our priority is ensuring she gets the care and support she needs through surgery and her rehabilitation. 

“We know Emma will approach her recovery with the same commitment and optimism she brings to everything she does.”

Piper Dunlop will be a test to play against Adelaide after tracking well in her recovery. Piper’s availability will be determined following training this week.

Priya Bowering underwent surgery on Monday following a confirmed foot fracture sustained in Round 3. She will undergo further assessment this week to establish a return to play timeline.

Alissa Brook remains 3-5 weeks away, after some minor swelling to her foot in recent weeks, meanwhile a return timeline has been established for Kate Kenny as she pushes to return in the second part of the season.

Zali Friswell is continuing to progress through the AFLW concussion protocol, with the Club to monitor her availability throughout the week ahead of Saturday’s game.

The Cats head to Unley Oval to take on the Adelaide Crows this Saturday September 12 at 2.35pm local time. Their next home game is the Thursday night blockbuster against the Hawks on the eve of Grand Final weekend on Thursday 24 September. Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster, starting at just $15.

Deakin AFLW Health Update | Round 5