The AFL Finals 2026 fixture is under way and the pressure is already on.
Ten teams earned their place after 24 rounds of the home-and-away season, and the expanded format means every game from here carries heavy consequences. The AFL finals fixture officially opened with Wildcard Weekend at the end of August and will finish under the lights at the MCG on the last Saturday in September.
This year’s AFL finals give more clubs a realistic shot while still rewarding the sides that finished higher on the ladder. Two wildcard matches start the series, followed by Qualifying and Elimination Finals, then Semi-Finals, Preliminary Finals and the Grand Final.
Key Dates for the 2026 AFL Finals Fixture
All times below are in AEST unless stated otherwise.
Wildcard Weekend – Results (AFL finals)
The opening night of the AFL finals delivered a classic. Eighth-placed Western Bulldogs hosted ninth-placed Collingwood at the MCG on Friday and held on for a 96-93 win in a tense finish.
Saturday night’s Wildcard Final One saw Melbourne take on Carlton at the same venue.
AFL Finals Week 1 – Qualifying & Elimination Finals Results
The two Qualifying Final winners earn a week off and a home Preliminary Final. The losers drop into a Semi-Final but still get a second chance. Elimination Final losers are eliminated.
AFL Semi-Finals Results
AFL Preliminary Finals Schedule
Only the two Preliminary Final winners advance to the Grand Final.
AFL Grand Final 2026
The 2026 AFL Grand Final is locked in for Saturday, September 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Kick-off remains the traditional 2:30pm AEST. It is still the biggest day on the Australian sporting calendar and will again be played in front of a packed MCG.
How to Watch AFL Finals
Every match in the AFL finals will be shown live on Fox Footy and the Seven Network. All games except the Grand Final are also available on Kayo Sports. For the first time the Grand Final itself will be free on 7plus across phones, tablets and smart TVs as well as on Channel Seven.
Fans looking for how to watch AFL finals have more options than ever, especially with the Grand Final moving to free streaming.
How the Current Finals System Works
The ten-team system is straightforward once you get used to it. The top four play Qualifying Finals and keep a double chance. Teams from fifth down enter through the Elimination and Wildcard path. Two clubs are knocked out every week until only two remain for the last Saturday in September.
Recent history shows how quickly things can turn. Brisbane are the reigning back-to-back premiers after beating Geelong in 2025 and Sydney the year before. Collingwood, Geelong, Melbourne and Richmond have all lifted the cup in the seasons before that.
Recent AFL Premiership Winners
The 2026 AFL Finals Fixture is already producing tight, high-stakes football. With Wildcard Weekend and Week 1 complete, fans now have a clear path from the remaining Semi-Finals and Preliminary Finals to the Grand Final. Bookmark this page for updated scores, confirmed times and streaming details as each round finishes.
FAQ
When does the 2026 AFL Finals Fixture begin?
The series opened with Wildcard Weekend from August 28-30.
When is the AFL Grand Final 2026?
The Grand Final is locked in for Saturday, September 26 at the MCG with a 2:30pm AEST start.
What are the key AFL finals dates?
Wildcard Weekend (Aug 28-30), Finals Week 1 (Sep 3-6), Semi-Finals (Sep 12-14), Preliminary Finals (Sep 19-21) and Grand Final (Sep 26).
How to watch AFL finals?
All matches air live on Fox Footy and the Seven Network. Most games are also on Kayo Sports, with the Grand Final free on 7plus.
How does the expanded finals system work?
Ten teams qualify. The top four play Qualifying Finals with a double chance. Lower-ranked sides enter via Wildcard and Elimination Finals.
