Carlton coach Josh Fraser says he is preparing for Geelong star Max Holmes to take the field when the two sides clash in an AFL elimination final at the MCG on Friday night, with the Blues also managing their own injury concerns ahead of the high-stakes match.

Holmes has been sidelined since fracturing his ankle in round 19 but has been pushing hard for a return as the Cats look to find a way past a Carlton outfit that has emerged as one of the competition's form teams since Fraser took the reins.

Fraser expects Holmes to be available — and says it matters

Speaking at his Wednesday press conference, Fraser was measured but clear in his assessment of the situation, saying he was leaning towards Holmes being fit to play.

"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 acknowledged the threat Holmes poses, particularly when paired with fellow midfielder Bailey Smith, noting the combination brings significant running power and ball-winning capacity to Geelong's game.

"That poses some real challenge for us," Fraser said, "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. 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 managing fitness concerns of their own

Carlton's preparations have been complicated by doubts surrounding two of their own players — defender Nick Haynes and forward Will Hayward — both of whom are racing to prove their fitness.

Haynes was absent from Wednesday morning's training session after battling an ankle complaint in the Blues' wildcard win over Melbourne. Fraser said the experienced defender had been progressing through the week but would need to get through training to earn selection.

"It's fair to say he was a bit sore post game, and he's probably slowly progressed quite well throughout the week, the early parts of the week," Fraser said. "So he'll need to train again today to prove his fitness, but we're hopeful on that one."

Hayward's situation drew similarly cautious optimism from his coach. The forward was present at training on Wednesday, completing agility work during warmups, after being passed over last week despite his best efforts to be available. He kicked three goals against the Cats in round 12 and would bring crucial finals experience to Carlton's forward line if cleared.

"He did a power of work to get himself to a point to be considered last week. Ultimately, we felt like he wasn't ready, so we're interested to see what version we get of him today," Fraser said. "But I do know that he's left no stone unturned in trying to be ready to play."

Fraser added that Hayward's value extended beyond what he provides on the field. "He's added enormously to our playing group, both from what you see on field, but the character he is as well. So if he's fully fit, then he'll be a great addition for us."

AFL announces goal and mark of the year finalists

Away from the finals injury watch, the AFL has confirmed its three finalists for both the goal of the year and mark of the year awards for 2026. Fans are being encouraged to weigh in on the contenders, with strong early reaction from supporters who feel some outstanding efforts may have missed out on a nomination.

The finalists represent some of the most spectacular moments of the home-and-away season, with debate already running hot over which efforts deserve the ultimate recognition.

With the elimination final just days away and multiple fitness questions still unresolved, both Carlton and Geelong will be watching Thursday closely before finalising their squads for one of the biggest matches of the AFL season.