In 2026, the AFL finals materially change in format for the first time since the turn of the century.
In a move reminiscent of the NBA's play-in fixtures, the AFL introduced an extra two games, to be contested by the teams that finish seventh through 10th at the conclusion of the home and away season.
Following Saturday's action, these two matchups are set.
What is it?
Essentially, it's two extra games. The top eight has expanded to a top 10, with seventh facing 10th at their home ground, and eighth hosting ninth.
Following the conclusion of those two matchups, the finals will revert to the format fans will be familiar with.
Fifth will host the lowest-ranked Wildcard winner, and sixth will host the highest-ranked Wildcard winner in the traditional elimination finals, while first will play host to fourth and second, host to third, in the traditional qualifying finals.
When is it?
The two fixtures take the place of the pre-finals bye that was first instituted in 2016, to prevent teams resting talent en masse ahead of finals campaigns.
It does mean, in order to lift the cup, teams finishing in the Wildcard placings would have to win two extra games (five in total) compared to sides who win a qualifying final (three).
Why it's needed
The introduction of the concept was spurred on by a desire to keep the season truly alive for more sides, for longer.
“We're thrilled to deliver fans an extra weekend of finals footy, while giving more clubs and players the opportunity to play finals footy and win a Premiership,” AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said, when announcing the concept, last November.
“The Wildcard Finals Round reflects our ongoing commitment to evolve our competition structure, building on recent additions like Gather Round and AFL Origin, ensuring our game continues to grow.
“This also means that all teams who finish in the top eight of ten will host a home final, giving fans a chance to see their club play at home in September.”
The move has borne fruit in its first season, evidenced by Carlton's resurgence under Josh Fraser.
The Blues were 1-8, and in any other season, that return would have spelled curtains for any hopes of featuring in September.
Carlton has been on a magical run since, surging into the Wildcard places under Fraser's tutelage, earning the right to face Melbourne in the concept's first instalment.
Finals fixtures
The Wildcard matchups were set after Round 24's Saturday slate.
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
We'll meet the Western Bulldogs in an AFL Final for the first time since 2010 🤩
Details: https://t.co/BpAIElhsmd pic.twitter.com/EaTWhOqrl4
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) August 22, 2026
The top six had to wait until the very last game of the home and away season to see their standings finalised, but by virtue of Hawthorn's win over West Coast, the matchups for the second week of finals are as follows:
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.
