THE AFL Finals Series will have a massive shake-up in 2026, with the introduction of a 'Wildcard Finals Round' instead of a pre-finals bye.
In a move announced by the League on Monday, the top six on the ladder at the end of the home and away season will move straight through to finals, while the teams finishing sixth to 10th will play off for the last two spots in September.
Seventh will play 10th, while eighth will play ninth on a weekend that will form an extra week in the finals series.
The teams that finish in the top six will all have a week off ahead the first full week of finals, when the top eight will play off in the normal finals system.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the introduction of the wildcard round would be a huge boost for fans and clubs.
"We're thrilled to deliver fans an extra weekend of finals footy, while giving more clubs and players the opportunity to play finals footy and win a Premiership," said Mr Dillon.
"The Wildcard Finals Round reflects our ongoing commitment to evolve our competition structure building on recent additions like Gather Round and AFL Origin, ensuring our game continues to grow.
"This also means that all teams who finish in the top eight of ten will host a home final, giving fans a chance to see their club play at home in September."
The change marks a departure from the top-eight finals system which was first implemented in 2000, and adds an extra week of high-stakes footy to the AFL calendar.
