The 2026 AFL season has entered its postseason phase, introducing a new wildcard round that expands the number of teams competing for the premiership to ten. This structural change creates a distinct divide in the path to the grand final: the top six teams on the ladder have earned a week off, while the remaining four teams must navigate a more challenging route through the wildcard stage.

Fremantle enters the finals as a primary contender, having secured the club’s first men’s minor premiership. Their performance throughout the home-and-away season has positioned them as a favorite to secure their first-ever AFL flag. Meanwhile, the Brisbane Lions, who have won the previous two premierships, are looking to defend their title. The competition remains open, with Sydney—the runners-up in the regular season—also positioned as a significant threat despite recent personnel challenges, including the suspension of five key players.

While the new format is intended to increase engagement, it has sparked debate regarding the competitive balance between teams that receive a bye and those forced to play through the wildcard round. The Guardian notes that while all ten teams technically remain in the hunt, the logistical advantages granted to the top six teams create a significant disparity in the physical toll required to reach the final match.