The Box Hill Hawks have secured their place in the 2026 VFL Finals after finishing third on the ladder at the end of the home-and-away season.Â
Remarkably, since the Box Hill-Hawthorn alignment began in 2000, the VFL Hawks have missed the finals just four times.Â
How about Box Hill Hawks? Under first-year coach and former champion player David Mirra, they finished third on the VFL ladder, improving their remarkable record in alignment with Hawthorn; since 2000, they've missed the finals only four times.
— Paul Amy (@PaulAmy375) August 16, 2026
It is a remarkable feat for former Hawk and Box Hill great, and now first-year coach David Mirra, whose team recorded 12 wins and six losses in 2026.Â
The Box Hill program has played a significant role in the success of Hawthorn's AFL season, with all nine 2026 debutants earning their place in Sam Mitchell's side off the back of solid VFL form with the Hawks.Â
@BoxHillHawks 12 wins / 6 loss home and away season and another top four finish is a meritorious effort in a year where there was so much disruption to the Football program due to the redevelopment of City Oval. It keeps alive a remarkable streak – the last year when Box Hill did…
— John Ure (@JohnUre64) August 16, 2026
Box Hill is coming into finals off the back of winning its past two home-and-away matches, including just last week when it defeated the Casey Demons by 57 points at Box Hill City Oval.Â
The Hawks have a bye this week during the VFL's Wildcard Round before travelling to face second-placed Werribee in the Second Qualifying Final on the weekend of August 29-30, with the date and time of the match to be confirmed soon.Â
For finals played in Victoria during wildcard finals through to the preliminary finals, admission prices will be adults $15, concession/pensioners $10 and children under 15 free.
Meanwhile, just two rounds remain in the VFLW home-and-away season, with Box Hill looking to finish the year out strongly against Port Melbourne at Box Hill City Oval this Saturday, before taking on North Melbourne Werribee at Arden Street Oval.Â
The Hawks have won their past two games and were boosted by the additions of AFLW players Jess Vukic, Mikaylah Antony, Lavinia Cox and Najwa Allen last week, which saw them record their biggest win of the season against Casey by 61 points.Â
2026 SMITHY’S VFL FINALS SERIES STRUCTURE
Wildcard Finals
Saturday, August 22
First Wildcard Final: Sydney Swans (7th) vs Frankston (10th)
Second Wildcard Final: Williamstown (8th) vs Carlton (9th)
Qualifying and Elimination Finals
Weekend of August 29-30
First Qualifying Final: Geelong Cats (1st) vs Tasmania (4th)
Second Qualifying Final: Werribee (2nd) vs Box Hill Hawks (3rd)
First Elimination Final: Essendon (5th) vs Lower-placed Wildcard Final winner
Second Elimination Final: Port Melbourne (6th) vs Higher-placed Wildcard Final winner
Semi Finals
Weekend of September 5-6
First Semi Final: Loser of First Qualifying Final vs Winner of First Elimination Final
Second Semi Final: Loser of Second Qualifying Final vs Winner of Second Elimination Final
Preliminary Finals
Weekend of September 12-13
First Preliminary Final: Winner of First Qualifying Final vs Winner of Second Semi Final
Second Preliminary Final: Winner of Second Qualifying Final vs Winner of First Semi Final
Grand Final
Sunday, September 20
Grand Final: Winner of First Preliminary Final vs Winner of Second Preliminary Final
