Carlton AFL Players Cowan and Hayward Hospitalized in Melbourne
Two Carlton AFL players, Lachie Cowan and Will Hayward, were hospitalized in Melbourne on Sunday under separate circumstances. The club has confirmed that both players have been discharged and are receiving support.
Two Carlton AFL players have been hospitalized in Melbourne, the club confirmed on Sunday. Lachie Cowan and Will Hayward were admitted to hospital under separate circumstances.
An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said advanced life-support paramedics responded to reports of an incident in South Yarra about 5:15am. "A man in his 20s was transported by road ambulance to The Alfred Hospital with upper body injuries in a stable condition," they said.
The club said Cowan received medical treatment and underwent observation, before being discharged a short time later. Will Hayward experienced a minor cut to the head after a fall, and admitted himself to hospital, where he received stitches before being discharged, they added.
Cowan, a Tasmanian drafted to the Blues in 2022, has played 38 games for the club as a young defender. Hayward, who re-signed with Sydney in 2024, crossed over to the forward line at Carlton in 2025.
The club said it has been in regular contact with both players, with the priority on their wellbeing.