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.
15-11
15. Finn O'Sullivan
With only a mathematical chance of clinching the wildcard, the season is all but complete for North Melbourne, but a win over Geelong in Round 23 would completely alter many contenders' positions come finals.
O'Sullivan has done some major jobs this year on stars of the competition, with Bailey Smith the next in line to receive the tagging job.
14. Matt Rowell
Although out of the wildcard equation, the 2024 Brownlow Medallist can still have a major say over the September fixture.
The Suns play Brisbane in Round 23, giving Rowell the opportunity to shake up the wildcard by handing the Lions an unlikely loss that sinks their premiership hopes.
13. Kysaiah Pickett
Pickett rose to the occasion against the Dockers in Round 22, putting on a dominant display with 27 disposals and two goals en route to victory.
The hybrid midfielder will need to produce again to guarantee the Demons early spot in September.
12. Luke Jackson
Although the Dockers ladder position is all but secured, Jackson and his team still have a major role to play in deciding the finals proceedings.
Fremantle plays Adelaide and Carlton in the final frame, with a win for either opponents dramatically shifting their prospects in 2026.
11. Ed Richards
With the Bulldogs resting Marcus Bontempelli, Richards is the final hope for both St Kilda and the Giants chances of a wildcard berth.
The Dogs are already locked into the wildcard, however that won't stop Richards from playing at his elite level, potentially stealing victory from the Blues against all odds.
