The AFL Finals 2026 are fast approaching, and fans are already searching for the key details — from the official AFL finals dates 2026 to how the AFL finals format 2026 will shape each club’s path to the Grand Final. With the latest AFL finals odds 2026 shifting as form, injuries and ladder positions tighten, TAB NZ gives punters a complete finals betting hub packed with expert insights, market movers, team chances and value plays across every stage of September footy.
The 2026 AFL Finals come to a close with the AFL Grand Final on September 26, 2026, at the MCG after a brand-new AFL Finals system!
2026 AFL Finals Betting: Grand Final Odds
| Team | Odds | |
|---|---|---|
| Brisbane Lions | 2.75 | Bet Now |
| Fremantle | 3.10 | Bet Now |
| Hawthorn | 9.00 | Bet Now |
| Geelong Cats | 15.00 | Bet Now |
| Adelaide Crows | 17.00 | Bet Now |
| Sydney Swans | 21.00 | Bet Now |
| Carlton | 21.00 | Bet Now |
| Western Bulldogs | 51.00 | Bet Now |
AFL odds correct as of 01/09/2026 and subject to change.
AFL Finals Dates 2026
The AFL Finals 2026 run 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 Fixtures
The 2026 AFL Wildcard Weekend serves as the perfect launchpad for September footy, and it’s already shaping the conversation around AFL premiership odds and early AFL premiership predictions. With the Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood on Friday and Melbourne vs Carlton on Saturday, both clashes feature top‑ten sides fighting to keep their premiership dreams alive — and the betting impact is real. Wildcard Weekend often triggers major market movement in AFL premiership betting as punters react to form spikes, injury news and winning form. A strong showing from any of these four clubs can tighten their flag quote fast, making this opening AFL finals weekend one of the most influential betting stages of the entire campaign.
2026 AFL Finals: Wildcard Weekend Match 1
Western Bulldogs (8th) vs Collingwood (9th)
- Date: Friday August 28, 2026
- First Bounce: 7:40pm (AEST)
- Venue: MCG, Melbourne
- Match Favourites: Collingwood
The 2026 AFL Finals Series will begin with its inaugural Wildcard match as the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood meet at the MCG on Friday night. The Bulldogs leapfrogged the Magpies to claim eighth spot on the ladder after beating the Demons 108-87 on Saturday. The Dogs welcomed back superstar captain Marcus Bontempelli, who helped drive them to victory with 27 touches, 13 score involvements, 11 marks and two goals. Luke Beveridge will also be hoping to regain ruckman Tim English from an MCL injury. Meanwhile, the Magpies fell 159-96 to the Lions last Friday, with Scott Pendlebury suffering a hamstring injury that has ruled him out of the Wildcard clash. A fresh knee concern will keep Brayden Maynard sidelined. The last finals meeting between these sides came in a 2010 qualifying final, when Collingwood claimed a 124-62 victory. More recently, the Bulldogs won 97-93 in Round 12 this season.
2026 AFL Finals: Wildcard Weekend Match 2
Melbourne (7th) vs Carlton (10th)
- Date: Saturday August 29, 2026
- First Bounce: 7:35pm (AEST)
- Venue: MCG, Melbourne
- Match Favourites: Carlton
Melbourne and Carlton will close the first-ever AFL Wildcard Finals Round with a blockbuster clash at the MCG on Saturday night. After entering Round 24 with an outside chance of making the top four, the Demons missed the opportunity to earn a week off with a 108-87 loss to the Western Bulldogs last Saturday. Max Gawn was outstanding with 28 disposals, 59 hitouts, 10 clearances and 10 score involvements. However, injuries to Jake Lever (toe) and Matthew Jefferson (knee) could leave Melbourne short of key-position options this weekend. Meanwhile, the Blues ended a memorable home-and-away campaign by rallying past the ladder-leading Dockers in a 119-82 victory last Saturday. Francis Evans booted a career-high five goals, while Jagga Smith (31 disposals, one goal) and Sam Walsh (32, one) were dominant through the middle. The last finals meeting between these sides saw Carlton win 73-71 during a 2023 semi final. More recently, Melbourne overcame a 43-point deficit to claim a 100-77 victory in Round 3.
2026 AFL Finals: Qualifying & Elimination Fixtures
The 2026 AFL Qualifying & Elimination Finals slate is already shaping the latest AFL premiership odds for 2026 and expert AFL premiership tips, with four massive fixtures set to reshape the flag market. Fremantle vs Hawthorn at Optus Stadium headlines the week as the minor premiers look to justify their short quote, while Geelong await the lowest‑ranked Wildcard winner at the MCG in a match that traditionally triggers big swings in AFL premiership betting. Saturday delivers two more blockbuster clashes: Sydney vs Brisbane at the SCG, a genuine contender vs contender showdown with major premiership implications, followed by Adelaide taking on the highest‑ranked Wildcard winner at Adelaide Oval, where home ground advantage often drives sharp market movement.
2026 AFL Finals: Qualifying Final Match 1
Fremantle (1st) vs Hawthorn (4th)
- Date: Thursday September 3, 2026
- First Bounce: 8:10pm (AEST)
- Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
- Match Favourites: Fremantle
With a home preliminary final on the line, Fremantle will host Hawthorn in a Thursday night qualifying final at Optus Stadium. The Dockers were disappointing in their 119-82 loss to the Blues in Round 24, but with the minor premiership already locked away, they had little to play for. With a maiden premiership in its sights, Fremantle will welcome back Jye Amiss, Murphy Reid and Sam Switkowski for the qualifying final. However, Brennan Cox will miss the match after injuring his calf against the Blues. Meanwhile, the Hawks sealed their double chance with a 107-45 win over the Eagles at Optus Stadium in Round 24. Jack Gunston kicked five goals in his 300th match, while Nick Watson added three majors and a mark of the year contender. The last September meeting between these sides saw the Hawks win 94-67 in a 2015 preliminary final. More recently, the Dockers won 88-73 thanks to a five-goal final term in Round 9.
2026 AFL Finals: Elimination Final Match 1
Geelong Cats (5th) vs TBC (Lowest Ranked WF Winner)
- Date: Friday September 4, 2026
- First Bounce: 7:40pm (AEST)
- Venue: MCG, Melbourne
- Match Favourites: TBC
2026 AFL Finals: Qualifying Final Match 2
Sydney Swans (2nd) vs Brisbane Lions (3rd)
- Date: Saturday September 5, 2026
- First Bounce: 3:15pm (AEST)
- Venue: SCG, Sydney
- Match Favourites: Brisbane Lions
In the hunt for an illustrious three-peat, Brisbane will look to book a home preliminary final when it visits Sydney in a Saturday afternoon qualifying final at the SCG. The Lions locked in a top-four spot with their 159-96 win over Collingwood at the MCG in Round 24 behind Logan Morris’ eight-goal outing. The 63-point drubbing left little doubt over a third-place finish and a date with a depleted Sydney outfit, with Brisbane ominously entering September riding 10 wins from its last 11 matches. Meanwhile, the Swans finished their home-and-away campaign strongly, overcoming North Melbourne for a 123-70 victory in Round 24. Charlie Curnow booted three goals and secured his third Coleman Medal with a season tally of 69. These sides last met in September during the 2024 Grand Final, when Brisbane claimed a dominant 120-60 victory. More recently, the Swans won the first meeting this season 104-60 in Round 1 before the Lions responded with a 126-83 victory in Round 16.
2026 AFL Finals: Elimination Final Match 2
Adelaide Crows (6th) vs TBC (Highest Ranked WF Winner)
- Date: Saturday September 5, 2026
- First Bounce: 7:35pm (AEST)
- Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Match Favourites: TBC
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: TBD
- 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.
AFL Finals 2026 Betting Favourites
- Brisbane Lions — Brisbane’s strong finish, with four wins from their last five, positions them as one of the major firmers heading into September. Their momentum profile typically triggers tightening in outright markets.
- Fremantle — Fremantle’s surge — four straight wins before a narrow slip — keeps them firmly in the contender bracket. Their consistency across both home and away fixtures often leads to sustained market support.
- Hawthorn — Hawthorn’s unbeaten five‑game stretch (four wins and a draw) marks them as one of the biggest upward movers. Their defensive stability and late‑season resilience usually attract strong punter interest.
- Geelong Cats — A perfect five‑game run makes Geelong one of the most notable firmers. Their ability to peak late in the season historically aligns with significant market tightening.
- Melbourne — Melbourne’s mixed form creates volatility. Punters often reassess them week‑to‑week, making them a classic “drifter‑then‑firmer” profile depending on match‑ups and injury news.
- Adelaide Crows — Adelaide’s inconsistency keeps them in the mid‑range value zone. They tend to drift after losses but firm quickly when their forward line clicks.
- Sydney Swans — Sydney’s four‑win rebound after an early stumble places them among the late‑season firmers. Their ability to build momentum quickly often influences multis and outright markets.
- Carlton — Carlton’s unbeaten five‑game stretch mirrors Hawthorn’s, making them another notable mover. Their midfield depth typically drives market confidence.
- Collingwood — Collingwood’s inconsistent run creates drift pressure. Their finals experience can stabilise sentiment, but punters generally wait for stronger form signals.
- Western Bulldogs — The Bulldogs’ alternating results keep them in the speculative bracket. They often attract volatility‑based plays rather than outright support.
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.
Team‑by‑Team AFL Finals Chances
Brisbane Lions
Four wins from their last five underline Brisbane’s momentum. Their midfield balance and scoring spread make them one of the strongest finals contenders heading into September.
Fremantle
A four‑game surge before a narrow slip keeps Fremantle firmly in the mix. Their defensive structure and contested‑ball profile translate well to finals pressure.
Hawthorn
Unbeaten in their last five (four wins and a draw), Hawthorn are one of the biggest risers. Their young core is peaking at the right time, making them a genuine value threat.
Geelong Cats
Five straight wins highlight Geelong’s trademark late‑season surge. Their experience and system make them a classic September specialist.
Melbourne
Mixed form (W L W L W) creates volatility, but Melbourne’s best is elite. They remain a dangerous swing‑side capable of knocking off top seeds.
Adelaide Crows
Inconsistent but capable, Adelaide sit in the mid‑range bracket. Their forward line can trouble anyone, making them a live outsider if they find rhythm.
Sydney Swans
Four wins on the bounce after an early stumble put Sydney back in the frame. Their ability to build momentum quickly makes them a late‑season firmer.
Carlton
Unbeaten in their last five, Carlton’s midfield depth and defensive stability make them one of the most intriguing finals movers.
Collingwood
An inconsistent run (W L W D L) keeps Collingwood in the volatility zone. Their finals experience is a stabiliser, but they need a form spike to become a serious threat.
Western Bulldogs
Alternating results place the Bulldogs in the speculative category. They’re a classic high‑variance pick capable of surprising if their midfield fires.
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.