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.
10-6
10. Mark Keane
A meeting with Jye Amiss is likely in store for the Adelaide defender, with the Dockers star sitting third in the Coleman having a career year.
Keane must minimise the impact of Amiss should the Crows have any chance of beating Fremantle on their home turf.
9. Max Gawn
The great escape against the Dockers puts Melbourne in great stead to remain in the top six, but will need Gawn to continue to lead to secure their finals spot early.
Melbourne will play Port Adelaide and the Bulldogs in the final fortnight, giving themselves an easier road than others to secure their finals spot.
8. Bailey Smith
Nipping at the heels of the top six, Geelong has every chance to jump in at the first moment of demise of any of the teams above them.
The Cats have a soft draw on the run home, but Smith must be dominant to secure two wins and give Geelong the best chance possible to rise out of wildcard proceedings.
7. Josh Dunkley
Nick Daicos at the MCG is the challenge that stands in the way of Brisbane's top four hopes and a wildcard match.
Dunkley will likely have the task of stopping the Brownlow shoe-in, a monumental task considering his opponent has polled coaches votes in every match since round nine.
The Adelaide skipper has been consistently good over the past eight matches, but will need to dip back into his mid-season form against Fremantle on Friday night.
Dawson will be hoping to replicate his Round 14 heroics where he had 32 disposals and 3 goals against the Bulldogs to drag the Crows to victory in Perth.
