The 2026 AFL Finals came to a close with the AFL Grand Final on September 26, 2026, at the MCG with the Brisbane Lions beating the Fremantle Dockers for their third straight title and sixth overall Premiership win!
AFL 2026 Grand Final Results
Brisbane Lions 14.12 (96) defeated the Fremantle Dockers 12.17 (89)
- 2026 AFL Grand Final Date: Saturday September 26, 2026
- 2026 AFL Grand Final Start Time: 2:30pm (AEST)
- 2026 AFL Grand Final Venue: MCG, Melbourne
- 2026 AFL Premiers: Brisbane Lions (6th title)
- 2026 AFL Grand Final Runners-Up: Fremantle Dockers
- 2026 AFL Grand Final Score: Brisbane 96 – 89 Fremantle
- Norm Smith Medallist: Shai Bolton
- Jock McHale Medallist: Chris Fagan
- Ron Barassi Medallists: Harris Andrews, Josh Dunkley, Hugh McCluggage
The 2026 AFL Grand Final saw the Brisbane Lions cement their place in modern AFL history with a thrilling seven-point victory over the Fremantle Dockers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday, 26 September 2026. Contested as the 131st AFL Grand Final and the decider for the 2026 premiership, the match produced an unforgettable finish as Brisbane kicked four goals in the final five minutes to overturn a 17-point deficit and prevail 14.12 (96) to 12.17 (89). The dramatic comeback secured the Lions’ sixth VFL/AFL premiership and completed a remarkable third consecutive flag, while Fremantle was left heartbroken after falling just short of a maiden premiership. For AFL fans and punters alike, the 2026 AFL Grand Final result will be remembered as one of the competition’s greatest deciders, with Brisbane’s premiership three-peat becoming a defining moment of the AFL season.
AFL Finals Dates 2026
The AFL Finals 2026 ran across five weeks, beginning with the newly introduced Wildcard Weekend and finishing with the AFL Grand Final at the MCG. Here are the confirmed dates based on the latest published schedule:
- Wildcard Weekend: 29–30 August 2026
- Week 1 – Qualifying & Elimination Finals: 5–6 September 2026
- Week 2 – Semi Finals: 12–13 September 2026
- Week 3 – Preliminary Finals: 19–20 September 2026
- Week 4 – AFL Grand Final: Saturday, 26 September 2026, 2:30pm AEST at the MCG
AFL Finals 2026 Schedule
| Stage | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wildcard Weekend | 29–30 August 2026 | Two extra finals spots decided under the expanded AFL Finals format. |
| Week 1 – Qualifying & Elimination Finals | 5–6 September 2026 | The top‑four double chance begins; knockout footy for teams ranked 5–8. |
| Week 2 – Semi Finals | 12–13 September 2026 | Qualifying Final losers face Elimination Final winners for a spot in the prelims. |
| Week 3 – Preliminary Finals | 19–20 September 2026 | Winners of the Qualifying Finals host for a place in the Grand Final. |
| AFL Grand Final | Saturday, 26 September 2026 | 2:30pm AEST at the MCG — the biggest day on the AFL calendar. |
2026 AFL Finals: Wildcard Weekend Results
2026 AFL Finals: Wildcard Weekend Match 1 Results
Western Bulldogs (96) defeated Collingwood (93)
- Date: Friday August 28, 2026
- First Bounce: 7:40pm (AEST)
- Venue: MCG, Melbourne
- Winners: Western Bulldogs
- Score: Western Bulldogs 96 – 93 Collingwood
2026 AFL Finals: Wildcard Weekend Match 2 Results
Melbourne (55) lost to Carlton (74)
- Date: Saturday August 29, 2026
- First Bounce: 7:35pm (AEST)
- Venue: MCG, Melbourne
- Winners: Carlton
- Score: Melbourne 55 – 74 Carlton
2026 AFL Finals: Qualifying & Elimination Results
2026 AFL Finals: Qualifying Final Match 1 Results
Fremantle (40) lost to Hawthorn (72)
- Date: Thursday September 3, 2026
- First Bounce: 8:10pm (AEST)
- Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
- Winners: Hawthorn
- Score: Fremantle 40 – 72 Hawthorn
2026 AFL Finals: Elimination Final Match 1 Results
Geelong Cats (107) defeated Carlton (74)
- Date: Friday September 4, 2026
- First Bounce: 7:40pm (AEST)
- Venue: MCG, Melbourne
- Winners: Geelong Cats
- Score: Geelong 107 – 74 Carlton
2026 AFL Finals: Qualifying Final Match 2 Results
Sydney Swans (141) defeated Brisbane Lions (88)
- Date: Saturday September 5, 2026
- First Bounce: 3:15pm (AEST)
- Venue: SCG, Sydney
- Winners: Sydney Swans
- Score: Swans 141 – 88 Lions
2026 AFL Finals: Elimination Final Match 2 Results
Adelaide Crows (90) vs Western Bulldogs (68)
- Date: Saturday September 5, 2026
- First Bounce: 7:35pm (AEST)
- Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Winners: Adelaide Crows
- Score: Adelaide 90 – 68 Western Bulldogs
2026 AFL Finals: Semi Finals Results
2026 AFL Finals: Semi Final 1
Fremantle (120) defeated Geelong Cats (106)
- Date: Friday September 11, 2026
- First Bounce: 8:10pm (AEST)
- Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
- Winners: Fremantle Dockers
- Score: Fremantle 120 – 106 Geelong
2026 AFL Finals: Semi Final 2
Brisbane Lions (144) defeated Adelaide Crows (91)
- Date: Saturday September 12, 2026
- First Bounce: 7:35pm (AEST)
- Venue: Gabba, Brisbane
- Winners: Brisbane Lions
- Score: Brisbane 144 – 91 Adelaide
2026 AFL Finals: Preliminary Finals Results
2026 AFL Finals: Preliminary Final 1
Sydney Swans (71) lost to Fremantle Dockers (83)
- Date: Friday September 18, 2026
- First Bounce: 7:40pm (AEST)
- Venue: SCG, Sydney
- Winners: Fremantle Dockers
- Score: Swans 71 – 83 Fremantle
2026 AFL Finals: Preliminary Final 2
Hawthorn Hawks (122) lost to Brisbane Lions (131)
- Date: Saturday September 19, 2026
- First Bounce: 5:15pm (AEST)
- Venue: MCG, Melbourne
- Winners: Brisbane Lions
- Score: Hawthorn 122 – 131 Brisbane
AFL Finals Format 2026
The AFL Finals Format 2026 follows the league’s expanded structure introduced in recent seasons, featuring Wildcard Weekend, a top‑four double chance, and a five‑week finals series leading into the AFL Grand Final. Here’s how the full format works:
The 2026 AFL Finals dates are scheduled to kick off with the new Wildcard Weekend from August 29-30, 2026.
The AFL 2026 finals will conclude with the AFL Grand Final on September 26, 2026, at the MCG in Melbourne.
- 2026 AFL Minor Premiers: Fremantle
- 2026 AFL Premiers: TBD
- 2026 AFL Runners-Up: TBD
- Coleman Medallist: TBD
The 2026 AFL Finals get underway in early September following the 25-round regular home-and-away season starting with the inaugural ‘Opening Round’ that kicked off on Thursday March 5.
The 2026 AFL Premiers will be decided in the AFL Grand Final which takes place on Saturday the 26th of September 2026.
The reigning champions are the Brisbane Lions who last season defended their title with a 47-point win over the Geelong Cats at the MCG for the fifth Premiership win overall in 2025.
The 2026 AFL Finals introduce the league’s biggest shake‑up in a quarter of a century, built around the new top‑10 finals system and the debut of the Wildcard Finals Round. This format expands September, removes the pre‑finals bye, and keeps more clubs alive deeper into the home‑and‑away season.
Wildcard Weekend
Dates: 29–30 August 2026 The finals open with two sudden‑death clashes:
- 7th vs 10th
- 8th vs 9th
Winners progress into the main finals bracket. Losers are eliminated immediately.
This addition creates two extra finals spots and adds volatility to the bottom half of the ladder.
Week 1 – Qualifying & Elimination Finals
Dates: 5–6 September 2026
Qualifying Finals (Top‑Four Double Chance)
- 1st vs 4th
- 2nd vs 3rd
Winners advance straight to the Preliminary Finals. Losers drop into Week 2 Semi Finals, retaining their double chance.
Elimination Finals
- 5th vs Wildcard Winner 1
- 6th vs Wildcard Winner 2
These are knockout matches — winners move on to the Semi Finals, losers are out.
Week 2 – Semi Finals
Dates: 12–13 September 2026
Semi Finals feature:
- Qualifying Final losers vs Elimination Final winners
Winners progress to the Preliminary Finals. Losers are eliminated.
Week 3 – Preliminary Finals
Dates: 19–20 September 2026
The two prelims decide the Grand Finalists:
- Qualifying Final winners host
- Semi Final winners travel
Winners book their place in the AFL Grand Final.
AFL Grand Final
- Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
- Time: 2:30pm AEST
- Venue: MCG
The season concludes with the biggest day in Australian sport — the AFL Grand Final, where one club claims the 2026 premiership.
AFL Finals Betting Tips 2026
A sharp set of betting angles designed for punters building multis, chasing value or tracking market movement across September.
- Back Teams with Strong Late‑Season Momentum: Sides like Geelong, Hawthorn and Brisbane carry form streaks that typically translate into finals firmers.
- Target Multi Anchors with Stable Profiles: Clubs with consistent systems — Brisbane, Fremantle, Carlton — make reliable multi anchors across head‑to‑head and line markets.
- Look for Volatility Plays in Mid‑Range Teams: Melbourne, Collingwood and the Bulldogs offer high‑risk, high‑reward upside. These sides often create value pockets when markets overreact to short‑term form.
- Watch for Draw‑Driven Value: Teams landing on the softer side of the bracket can shorten quickly. Always check how the AFL Finals draw 2026 impacts potential paths.
- Track Injury & Selection News Closely: Late outs or surprise inclusions can reshape markets instantly. Finals betting often rewards punters who monitor team updates in real time.
- Consider Weather & Venue Factors: Wet‑weather specialists or interstate travellers with strong records can become situational value plays depending on conditions.
- Use Wildcard Weekend as a Form Guide: Wildcard winners often carry momentum into Week 1. Upsets or blowouts can create immediate market movement in outright markets.
How the 2026 AFL finals structure works
- Top six teams at the end of Round 25 advance directly to the traditional finals bracket, giving them rest and preparation time.
- 7th vs 10th and 8th vs 9th play sudden‑death Wildcard matches during what used to be the pre‑finals bye. Winners claim the final two spots in the top eight.
- The finals then revert to the familiar format: qualifying finals, elimination finals, semi‑finals, prelims, and the Grand Final.
- The system is designed to increase meaningful late‑season games, boost competitiveness, and reward higher‑placed teams with rest and home advantage.
Why the new AFL Finals format matters
- More teams in contention: Clubs sitting 9th or 10th now have a genuine September pathway, keeping fan interest high into late August.
- Higher stakes earlier: With only the top six guaranteed a spot, finishing positions become more valuable, especially the battle for 6th vs 7th.
- Wildcard weekend drama: Two knockout games inject a fresh broadcast and betting opportunity, likely becoming one of the most-watched weekends of the season.
- Strategic shift: Coaches must plan for the possibility of playing four straight knockout games if entering via the Wildcard route.
The AFL Finals provide Aussie Rules betting fans with some of the best opportunities to enjoy a footy bet of the year with everything going on the line for the Top 10 remaining teams (as of 2026) in the Premiership heading towards the AFL Grand Final held at the MCG on a Saturday in late September or early October.
Each season the annual AFL Premiership takes place around the country with the now 25-week regular home-and-away season featuring the league’s 18 clubs facing off in the AFL fixtures for competition points and ladder positioning.
The remaining two teams at the end of the AFL Finals come head-to-head in the highly anticipated Grand Final AFL game in the last week of the finals, and the winner of that clash is rewarded with the Premiership title and fanfare.
AFL Premiership betting is open across the season with all-in prices for each club on offer to punters.
AFL Finals Odds 2026
The AFL Finals odds 2026 will shift constantly throughout September, and keeping track of the major market movers is one of the most effective ways for punters to spot value early. As form lines tighten, injuries emerge and the bracket takes shape, odds movement often reveals more than the ladder itself.
Key AFL Finals Market Movers to Watch
- Odds Firmers — Teams shortening in the market after strong late‑season form, favourable match‑ups or dominant Wildcard/Week 1 performances.
- Odds Drifters — Sides easing due to injuries, selection shocks, poor momentum or landing on the tougher half of the draw.
- Injury Impacts — Key outs can trigger immediate price movement, especially for clubs relying heavily on star midfielders or key forwards.
- Selection Changes — Surprise inclusions, tactical rests or late withdrawals often reshape match odds within minutes.
- Weather‑Driven Moves — Rain, wind or heat can favour contested‑ball teams or defensive setups, creating sudden shifts in totals and head‑to‑head markets.
- Draw‑Driven Value — Clubs landing in a softer section of the bracket frequently shorten, while those facing back‑to‑back interstate trips may drift.
What Drives AFL Finals Market Movement?
- Form streaks — Teams on 3–5 game winning runs typically tighten.
- Injury updates — Key outs or returns can shift markets instantly.
- Draw difficulty — Clubs landing on the softer side of the bracket often firm.
- Wildcard Weekend results — Surprise wins or blowouts can reshape outright markets.
- Weather & venue factors — Teams with strong interstate or wet‑weather records may shorten.
AFL Finals FAQs
When are the AFL Finals dates for 2026?
The AFL Finals 2026 run from 29–30 August (Wildcard Weekend) through to the AFL Grand Final on 26 September 2026 at the MCG.
How does the AFL Finals Format 2026 work?
The finals follow a five‑week structure featuring Wildcard Weekend, Qualifying Finals, Elimination Finals, Semi Finals, Preliminary Finals, and the Grand Final, with the top four teams receiving a double chance.
What is Wildcard Weekend in the AFL Finals?
Wildcard Weekend introduces two sudden‑death matches: 7th vs 10th and 8th vs 9th, with winners advancing into the main finals bracket and losers eliminated.
How many teams make the AFL Finals in 2026?
Ten teams enter the finals picture — the traditional top eight plus two wildcard contenders fighting for the final spots.
Who are the favourites in the AFL Finals Odds 2026?
Teams with strong late‑season momentum — including Brisbane, Fremantle, Hawthorn and Geelong — are among the major firmers heading into September.
Which teams offer value in AFL Finals betting?
Mid‑range sides that can cause a stir in the AFL Finals such as Melbourne, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs often create value pockets when markets react to short‑term form swings.
Where can I find live AFL Finals Odds 2026 updates?
Ladbrokes provides live odds updates across outrights, multis, match markets and Finals specials, including real‑time firmers and drifters.
What time is the AFL Grand Final in 2026?
The AFL Grand Final 2026 kicks off at 2:30pm AEST on Saturday, 26 September at the MCG.