AFL Finals 2025 Guide - Dates, Structure & Predictions Nobody Else Is Talking About

Ryan Tucker

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Last updated: Mon 15 Sep 2025 09:39

Ryan Tucker 15 Sep 2025

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2025 AFL Finals start on September 4th and conclude with the Grand Final on September 27th.
Lions strong contenders to go back to back.
Collingwood face an uphill battle while Cats vs Hawks blockbuster is sold out.

AFL Finals 2025 Guide

AFL Finals 2025 - Dates, Structure & Bold Predictions

The AFL Finals are here and September footy is set to deliver drama, upsets and stories no one else is talking about. From Collingwood’s vulnerability to a genuine Adelaide Crows premiership push, this finals series has intrigue across every corner of the ladder.

AFL Finals 2025 - Dates, Structure & Bold Predictions
When Are the AFL Finals Played?
How the AFL Finals Structure Works
Predictions Nobody Else Is Talking About
Adelaide Crows for the Premiership
Collingwood to Crash Out Early
Goal Kicking Smokies
Bottom-Four Danger Side
Who Could Bounce Back in 2026?
The Big Day - AFL Grand Final

When Are the AFL Finals Played?

The 2025 AFL Finals begin on Thursday, September 4th with the Adelaide Crows taking on Collingwood. The series runs across four weeks, culminating in the AFL Grand Final on Saturday, September 27th at the MCG.

How the AFL Finals Structure Works

Week 1: The top four play qualifying finals (winners go to prelims, losers play again). Teams 5–8 play elimination finals (losers are out).

Week 2: Semi-finals – losers of QFs meet winners of elimination finals.
Week 3: Preliminary finals – QF winners host the semi-final winners.
Week 4: AFL Grand Final – last Saturday in September at the MCG.

This structure rewards the top four with a double chance and often proves decisive in crowning the premiers.

Predictions Nobody Else Is Talking About

Which teams make the Grand Final

With the Cats showing no signs of slowing down they should take care of the Hawks in their Prelim while the Lions are the better matchup against Collingwood.

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Goal Kicking Smokies

Don’t just look at the big names like Jeremy Cameron, Jack Gunston has been firing for the Hawks and with an extra game coming from 8th could potentially lock in as the top goalscorer of the finals.

Bottom-Four Danger Side

The Hawks are the only team left from the bottom 4, the question is whether they will be able to overcome the rampaging Cats to book a spot in the Final?

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Who Could Bounce Back in 2026?

History shows the ladder rarely stays still. Sydney, decimated by injuries this season, are tipped to return to finals. Essendon, too, may surprise if they can stay healthy and get more from their developing core.

The Big Day - AFL Grand Final

The 2025 AFL Grand Final will be played on Saturday, September 27th at the MCG. Debate continues over whether the game should shift to a twilight or night slot, but for now tradition holds a 2:30pm bounce.