Wildcard Round

The AFL finals begin next week and will look quite different this year with the addition of the Wildcard Round, the first time this has happened. This change increases the finals contenders from eight to ten teams and replaces the pre-finals bye that has been in place since 2016. Under the new format, the top six teams at the season’s end automatically make the finals and get a week off. Teams finishing seventh to tenth compete for the last two finals spots, with seventh hosting tenth and eighth facing ninth in sudden-death matches. Winners advance, while losers are eliminated immediately.

Once those games are complete, the highest- and lowest-ranked wildcard winners occupy the seventh and eighth spots in the finals bracket. The traditional finals format then continues, with the top four teams still benefiting from the crucial double chance. As anticipated, the Wildcard Round has led to more competitive matches late in the season, helped more clubs stay in finals contention, and drawn significant fan interest. For teams finishing fifth and sixth, a week off is a valuable reward, while those placed seventh to tenth get a final opportunity to keep their premiership hopes alive. For supporters, this should add an exciting new phase to September football.