2026 AFL Finals Format Explained: AFL Wildcard Finals Round
In 2026, the AFL will revolutionize its finals format by introducing a Wildcard Finals Round, the most significant change in over 25 years. This move eliminates the pre-finals bye and extends the finals period, offering more teams an opportunity to compete in September games. Teams placed 7th to 10th will face off in sudden-death matches, with the winners rounding out the top eight. The change aims to keep more clubs in finals contention, increase excitement with high-stake games, and reward higher-placed teams with rest and home advantage heading into the finals.
- AFL introduces Wildcard Finals Round for 2026.
- Teams 7th-10th face off in sudden-death matches.
- Change aims for more excitement and competition.
2026 AFL Finals Format Explained: AFL Wildcard Finals Round
How the AFL Wildcard Round Works
- Top six teams qualify directly for finals and receive a week off
- Teams finishing 7th to 10th play in sudden-death wildcard matches
- 7th plays 10th, 8th plays 9th
- The two winners complete the final top eight
What It Means for Ladder Positions
- 1st–4th: Home qualifying finals and double chance
- 5th–6th: Automatic finals entry and a rest week
- 7th–8th: Home wildcard final
- 9th–10th: Finals only by winning under pressure
Why the AFL Made the Change
- Keeps more clubs in contention
- Creates high-stakes matches before finals
- Rewards teams that finish higher with rest and home advantage
AFL Finals Frequently Asked Questions
When do AFL finals start?
The AFL Finals will likely start with the Wildcard Round between the 27th-30th August, the AFL has yet to confirm exact dates.
When is the AFL Grand Final?
The AFL Grand Final will be played on the last Saturday of September which in 2026 falls on the 26th of September.
Related
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
09 July 2026
- Sale- July 9 -
- Horse Racing
- Rockhampton - July 9 -
- Horse Racing
- Gosford - July 9 -
- Horse Racing
- Northam - July 9 -
- Horse Racing
- Fremantle Dockers vs Sydney Swans -
- AFL
- Newmarket July Festival 2026 - Day 1 Preview -
- Horse Racing
10 July 2026
- Scone - July 10 -
- Horse Racing
- Geelong - July 10 -
- Horse Racing
- Supercars Townsville 500 -
- Motor Sport
- Collingwood Magpies vs North Melbourne Kangaroos -
- AFL
- Wests Tigers vs New Zealand Warriors -
- Rugby League
11 July 2026
- St Kilda Saints vs Port Adelaide Power -
- AFL
- Greater Western Sydney Giants vs Geelong Cats -
- AFL
- Carlton Blues vs Hawthorn Hawks -
- AFL
- Adelaide Crows vs Gold Coast Suns -
- AFL
- Melbourne Demons vs Richmond Tigers -
- AFL
