The 2026 VFL Finals Schedule is locked in, with eight teams set to contest a four-week series that culminates in the Smithy’s VFL Grand Final on Sunday, September 20. The AFL has confirmed the full Week One fixture and the structure for the remainder of the finals.
Twenty-one teams competed in the regular season, each playing 18 matches. The top eight advance to the finals.
Here is the complete 2026 VFL Finals Schedule with dates, matchups, and viewing details.
2026 VFL Finals Schedule – Full Breakdown
Wildcard Finals
Saturday, August 22
| Matchup | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sydney Swans (7th) vs Frankston (10th) | First Wildcard Final |
| Williamstown (8th) vs Carlton (9th) | Second Wildcard Final |
Qualifying and Elimination Finals
Weekend of August 29-30
| Matchup | Type |
|---|---|
| Geelong Cats (1st) vs Tasmania (4th) | First Qualifying Final |
| Werribee (2nd) vs Box Hill Hawks (3rd) | Second Qualifying Final |
| Essendon (5th) vs Lower-placed Wildcard winner | First Elimination Final |
| Port Melbourne (6th) vs Higher-placed Wildcard winner | Second Elimination Final |
Semi Finals
Weekend of September 5-6
| Matchup | Type |
|---|---|
| Loser of First Qualifying Final vs Winner of First Elimination Final | First Semi Final |
| Loser of Second Qualifying Final vs Winner of Second Elimination Final | Second Semi Final |
Preliminary Finals
Weekend of September 12-13
| Matchup | Type |
|---|---|
| Winner of First Qualifying Final vs Winner of Second Semi Final | First Preliminary Final |
| Winner of Second Qualifying Final vs Winner of First Semi Final | Second Preliminary Final |
Grand Final
Sunday, September 20
| Matchup | Venue |
|---|---|
| Winner of First Preliminary Final vs Winner of Second Preliminary Final | IKON Park (unless two non-Victorian teams reach the final) |
If two non-Victorian teams qualify for the Grand Final, the match will be played in the state of the higher-placed team.
How to Watch the 2026 VFL Finals
- ABC TV VIC and ABC iview (nationally): One match each week live and free
- Seven Tasmania and 7plus Sport: Tasmania Football Club home finals
- AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App: All matches streamed live and free, including the Grand Final
This multi-platform coverage ensures fans across Australia can follow every finals game.
Quick Notes on the Finals Series
The 2026 VFL Finals Schedule follows a traditional four-week structure. The top four teams earn the advantage of qualifying finals, while the Wildcard and Elimination Finals give the lower-placed sides a chance to stay alive.
Geelong, Werribee, Box Hill and Tasmania enter as the highest-ranked clubs. The Wildcard games on August 22 will determine the final two participants in the Elimination Finals.
The 2026 VFL Finals Schedule delivers a clear path to the premiership. Mark the dates and follow the action from the Wildcard round through to the Grand Final on September 20.
FAQ
When do the 2026 VFL Finals start? Wildcard Finals begin on Saturday, August 22.
When is the 2026 VFL Grand Final? Sunday, September 20, at IKON Park (subject to change if two non-Victorian teams qualify).
How many teams make the VFL Finals? Eight teams contest the four-week finals series.
How can I watch the 2026 VFL Finals? Matches are available live and free on ABC TV VIC / ABC iview, Seven Tasmania / 7plus Sport (for Tasmania games), and streamed on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.
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