The initially maligned Wildcard Round has all of a sudden gathered tremendous interest as the AFL enters the final stretch of the 2026 season.
Increasing post-season games from a top eight to top 10 had plenty of detractors, but to the AFL's credit, it has kept more teams alive in the season, going down to Port Adelaide in 15th position.
Every week, there's many consequential games, like Gold Coast and Collingwood, with the winner, being the latter on Saturday, entrenching themselves firmly inside the Wildcard Round placings (7th to 10th). As for the Suns, they slipped to 14th.
It begs the question, of the 63 games remaining in the season, which will have the greatest impact?
Going through the final seven weeks of the fixture, 17 matches have been donned the proverbial 'eight-point' game, exciting the AFL for what is to come.
Round 18
Collingwood (9th) vs North Melbourne (11th), Marvel Stadium
Under the Friday night lights, the Kangaroos will be hoping get back on the winner's list after a disappointing showing against Port Adelaide.
The Pies have notched up three consecutive wins, albeit against teams below them on the ladder, but have gathered momentum heading into the final stretch.
St Kilda (12th) vs Port Adelaide (15th), Marvel Stadium
The Saints have yet to prove their off-season spending spree has paid dividends, but sit only a game outside the top 10.
The Power have been a trouble for teams in the competition, and impressively, have a percentage of 102.5 although they've recorded 10 losses from 16 games.
GWS (13th) vs Geelong (7th), ENGIE Stadium
The Giants historically trouble the Cats, and their latest win over ladder leaders Fremantle, which many tipped they wouldn't loss again, gives them revived purpose their season isn't over.
Geelong's last month is concerning from a results perspective, winning only against the Suns but losing to fellow contenders Adelaide, the Dockers and Brisbane.
Carlton (10th) vs Hawthorn (3rd), MCG
The Blues are on a miraculous seven-game win streak, but if, and maybe when will reality strike?
Hawthorn were smashed by Melbourne on its home turf (Tasmania) in shocking fashion, so are they vulnerable?
