The AFL finals format is facing unprecedented opposition, with nearly 80 per cent of fans rejecting the league’s wildcard round expansion plans announced for 2026. Despite the overwhelming fan disapproval, the AFL has confirmed a major shake-up that will expand the finals series to include ten teams instead of the traditional eight. According to the new structure, the wildcard weekend will feature 7th vs. 10th and 8th vs. 9th elimination finals, played during what is currently the pre-finals bye week.
What is the AFL finals format changing from, and why has it sparked such controversy? The current AFL final system has been a staple of the competition for 26 years, during which teams finishing 4th to 8th have made only seven Grand Final appearances, winning just two premierships. While the 2016 AFL finals format did produce a champion from 7th place when the Western Bulldogs claimed the flag, this remains the only instance of a team winning from a position that would now be considered a “wildcard”.
In fact, statistics show that the average 10th-placed team in the 18-team era has won 11.4 games and lost 11.5, essentially making them an average-performing team with a 105% percentage. However, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon remains adamant that the plan aims to give fans more “games of consequence” throughout the season.
AFL Introduces Wildcard Finals in 2026
The Australian Football League officially announced on Monday that a wildcard finals round will be introduced from the 2026 season onwards, fundamentally altering the AFL finals format for the first time since 2000. This additional weekend of knockout football will see teams finishing 7th playing 10th, and 8th playing 9th.
Under this new structure, only the top six teams on the ladder will proceed directly to the traditional finals series, whilst obtaining a week’s rest. The wildcard matches will be played during what is currently the pre-finals bye weekend. Subsequently, the winners will be reseeded into 7th and 8th positions based on their regular-season standings.
“We’re thrilled to deliver fans an extra weekend of finals footy, whilst giving more clubs and players the opportunity to play finals footy and win a Premiership,” stated AFL CEO Andrew Dillon.
Notably, teams finishing 7th and 8th face a significantly steeper climb to premiership glory, now requiring five consecutive elimination final victories to claim the flag. This contrasts sharply with teams finishing 4th, who need a minimum of three wins.
The VFL has implemented a similar wildcard system since 2023, though statistics show that only once has a wildcard winner progressed beyond their subsequent elimination final. Had this system been in place for 2025, Gold Coast (7th) would have hosted Sydney (10th), whilst Hawthorn (8th) would have faced the Western Bulldogs (9th).
AFL Draws From Past Formats and Global Leagues
The evolution of the AFL finals format reflects a long history of adaptation. Throughout its existence, the league has consistently modified its post-season structure, initially allowing only the top four of twelve teams to qualify during the VFL era before experimenting with top-five and top-six models. The current system, introduced in 2000, represents the most enduring finals arrangement; yet, it has still undergone adjustments, such as the addition of a pre-finals bye in 2016.
In crafting the new wildcard concept, AFL administrators looked both backward at their own history and outward at global sporting trends. The NBA’s play-in tournament serves as a primary inspiration, which, although initially controversial, eventually became a commercial success that reinvigorated regular-season competition. Additionally, the NRL briefly implemented a similar top-ten finals system in 1998, wherein the ninth-placed Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs advanced all the way to the Grand Final.
These past format changes consistently triggered concerns about “diluting” finals football, yet ultimately became accepted fixtures of the competition. The league’s approach follows its established pattern of balancing tradition with innovation—something evident in previous rule changes, fixture adjustments, and expansion efforts. Furthermore, administrators defend such modifications as creating more meaningful late-season contests rather than rewarding mediocrity.
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Wildcard System Reshapes Competition and Future Planning
Beyond the structural changes, the new AFL finals format fundamentally reshapes competitive dynamics across the league. Finishing positions now carry vastly different consequences, with AFL CEO Dillon highlighting that “seventh and eighth, you’ll get to host a home wildcard final“, creating distinct competitive tiers throughout the ladder.
Teams finishing seventh face a nearly impossible premiership path, needing five consecutive victories compared to just three for fourth-placed teams. This creates an enormous incentive for clubs to secure sixth position, consequently reshaping recruitment strategies and list management priorities with the 2026 implementation date now set.
Evidence from the VFL’s wildcard experiment since 2023 presents concerning signs, as wildcard winners have managed just one victory from six attempts in subsequent elimination finals. Moreover, these matches have produced average losing margins of 64 points, compared to 25 points in the three seasons preceding the introduction of the wildcard.
The format change appears strategically timed with Tasmania’s entry as the 19th club in 2028, possibly anticipating the addition of a 20th team thereafter. Presently, this means 55% of AFL clubs will qualify for finals, aligning more closely with major international leagues like the NBA, where 20 of 30 teams now compete in postseason play.
The AFL Fans Association reports 77% of supporters oppose the change, yet the league remains committed to its implementation.
Conclusion – AFL Finals Format
The AFL’s decision to implement a wildcard finals system undoubtedly represents the most significant change to the competition’s post-season structure in over two decades. Despite overwhelming fan resistance, league administrators have pressed forward with their vision of expanded finals participation, set to begin in 2026. Indeed, the new format creates additional high-stakes matches, yet questions remain about whether this truly enhances the competition or simply rewards mediocrity.
Statistical evidence from similar formats suggests wildcard teams face nearly insurmountable challenges. Previously, only one team from positions that would now be considered “wildcard” has claimed a premiership in 26 years. Additionally, VFL experience demonstrates that wildcard winners rarely progress beyond their next elimination match, often suffering heavy defeats.
The timing of this shake-up appears strategically aligned with Tasmania’s entry into the market in 2028. However, the AFL maintains that the change primarily aims to keep more teams in contention throughout the regular season. Nevertheless, the modification fundamentally alters competitive dynamics, creating a massive gulf between finishing sixth versus seventh, with the latter now requiring five consecutive elimination final victories to claim the flag.
Above all, this controversial decision highlights the ongoing tension between tradition and innovation in Australian sport. Although fans have voiced their disapproval, the AFL remains committed to this path, following global sporting trends, such as the NBA’s play-in tournament. Therefore, supporters must now adjust to a new reality where 55% of clubs qualify for postseason action, regardless of their regular-season performance.
As the 2026 season approaches, clubs will accordingly adapt their recruitment and list management strategies to navigate this altered competitive landscape. Meanwhile, the broader question remains whether this expansion will ultimately enhance the game’s appeal or dilute the finals experience that has captivated Australian sports fans for generations.
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What is the new AFL finals format for 2026?
The new format introduces a wildcard round, expanding the finals series to include ten teams instead of eight. Teams finishing 7th vs 10th and 8th vs 9th will play elimination finals during what was previously the pre-finals bye week.
How will the wildcard system affect teams’ chances of winning the premiership?
Teams finishing 7th and 8th will face a significantly tougher path to the premiership, needing to win five consecutive elimination finals. In contrast, teams finishing 4th only need a minimum of three wins to claim the flag.
Why has the AFL decided to change the finals format?
The AFL aims to provide more “games of consequence” throughout the season and give more clubs and players the opportunity to play finals football. The change also aligns with global sporting trends and anticipates the entry of new teams.
How have fans reacted to the new finals format?
The new format has sparked significant controversy, with reports indicating that nearly 80% of fans oppose the change. Many are concerned that it may dilute the final experience or reward mediocrity.
Will the wildcard system affect team strategies and planning?
Yes, the new format is likely to reshape competitive dynamics across the league. Teams will likely adjust their recruitment and list management strategies to prioritise finishing in the top six, as the difference between 6th and 7th place becomes much more significant.