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.
5-1
The Carlton skipper has been at the forefront of the Blues' finals surge and must do it once more to solidify his team's wildcard place in 2026.
Carlton sit two wins clear of St Kilda in 11th, but with Fremantle to come in the final round, this week is the time to cement the Blues place in September.
A mammoth challenge awaits Borlase, with the key defender likely posed with the task of stopping Josh Treacy.
Treacy has been an All-Australian certainty for most of this year, with Adelaide's top six chances hinging on Borlase's ability to nullify the spearhead key forward.
3. Nick Daicos
An incredible opportunity awaits for Daicos, as the Collingwood superstar has a chance to knock the back-to-back premiers out of the top six.
Although Collingwood have already qualified, they remain a slim chance of reaching the top six with back-to-back wins and Round 24 gives Daicos the opportunity to cap off his historic 2026 campaign with his best performance yet.
As unlikely as it may sound, one more slip up from Brisbane in the home and away season could see them feature in wildcard festivities this year.
The Lions will play Gold Coast and Collingwood in the run home, putting immense pressure on Ashcroft to rise to the challenge in the dying stages of the year to deliver Brisbane to victory.
1. Izak Rankine
In arguably career best form, Rankine poses as the biggest shaper of the 2026 AFL wildcard round with his match-winning ability paramount to Adelaide's chances of defeating Fremantle and rolling into September in the top six.
Rankine is averaging 29 disposals and 1.2 goals per match over the past five games and is the highest rated player in the AFL over that time period.
The Crows are heavy underdogs for their upcoming match against the Dockers, needing a superstar performance from Rankine to will them over the line.
