The AFL will open the inaugural Wildcard Round with a clash between the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood at the MCG on Friday, 28th of August.
The Bulldogs cinched eighth spot with an impressive win over Melbourne following Collingwood's loss to Brisbane the night before.
The Demons' loss to the Whitten Oval club opened the door for Adelaide and Geelong to leapfrog them into the top six.
Melbourne will face Carlton on Saturday night at the MCG after the Blues' incredible run under Josh Fraser, who was announced as the club's next senior coach last week, continues.
Fraser took the Blues from 1-8 to 10th position and a Wildcard Round final.
They beat minor premiers Fremantle at Marvel Stadium, and have hit red-hot form heading into the weekend.
Friday, 28th August
Wildcard Final Two
Western Bulldogs v Collingwood
MCG, Friday 28 August, 7.40pm AEST
Saturday, 29th August
Wildcard Final One
Melbourne v Carlton
MCG, Saturday 29 August, 7.35pm AEST
Geelong - who finished in fifth position - will play the lower-ranked Wildcard Round winner following the pair of clashes between Melbourne and Carlton; Western Bulldogs and Collingwood.
Adelaide - who finished in sixth position - will play the higher-ranked Wildcard Round winner.
AFL Head of Strategy & Scheduling, Josh Bowler, said:
“The introduction of Wildcard Finals adds another exciting chapter to the race for the premiership.
“We congratulate the four competing clubs who will next weekend continue their pursuit and make history in the first AFL Wildcard Finals weekend.
“We're looking forward to an electric atmosphere and two high-quality matches at the MCG to open the 2026 Toyota AFL Finals Series."
All matches across Wildcard Finals weekend will be broadcast live nationally across the Seven Network and Foxtel and streamed via 7plus, Kayo and Binge.
Ticketing Information
Wildcard Finals tickets available via Ticketek
Wildcard Final Two Western Bulldogs v Collingwood
Competing Club Members - Tuesday August 25th – 10am – 2pm*
AFL Members - Tuesday August 25th – 12pm
General Public – Tuesday August 25th – 3pm*
Wildcard Final One Melbourne v Carlton
Competing Club Members - Wednesday August 26th – 10am – 2pm*
AFL Members - Wednesday August 26th – 12pm
General Public – Wednesday August 26th – 3pm*
