The September specialists are the players who etch their names into history, cementing themselves in AFL folklore as some of the best finals performers the game has ever seen.
For the first time in AFL history, 10 teams will have the privilege to battle for premiership glory, with the inaugural wildcard round adding another element into the finals equation.
With just two rounds remaining in the 2026 AFL season, the finals fixture is far from settled.
Teams from fourth to 12th remain in close proximity with the battle to either escape or clinch the wildcard still firmly in the balance.
It will take the league's best to rise to the occasion and steer their team towards September, with every goal, clearance and tackle crucial to shaping the finals race.
So, here are the 20 players shaping the AFL wildcard race.
20-16
20. Shannon Neale
Neale has played well in the absence of Jeremy Cameron, and will need to continue to perform for Geelong to keep the pressure on the teams above them.
With matchups against North Melbourne and Richmond to come, Neale has a great opportunity to play some great football and ignite the Cats into the top six.
19. Toby Greene
Similar to St Kilda, the Giants require a major slip up from Carlton to give themselves a chance to sneak into the wildcard.
Along with back-to-back Carlton losses, GWS will require Greene to be at his best to defeat Adelaide in Round 24.
18. Max Hall
The Saints will go into the final two rounds undermanned following the loss of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera last weekend against Carlton.
If the Saints are to have any shot of a wildcard appearance, Hall must shoulder a heavy role in the midfield to get the Saints to victory.
17. Jacob Weitering
Carlton has been without Weitering since Round 12, allowing for the likes of Harry Dean and Wade Derksen to emerge as strong talents in defence.
The Blues will be hoping Weitering doesn't shift the defensive dynamic and shake up what has been a cohesive unit over the past 10 weeks.
16. Riley Thilthorpe
Just unable to string together some good form this year, Thilthorpe is coming up against the ladder leaders.
This is the time for the 2025 All-Australian to finally take over a match and help the Crows to victory.
