AFL finals: why every team can – and can’t – win the 2026 premiership

The first season with a wildcard round means 10 clubs are still in with a shot of tasting the ultimate success. We examine their strengths and weaknesses

• Sign up for our free weekly AFL newsletter

The AFL begins a new era with 10 teams still alive as the finals start with a wildcard round for the first time. The new format has handed the top six sides an early advantage as they have a week’s break heading into their finals campaigns, while the four remaining teams must take a longer road to the grand final.

Fremantle have already secured the club’s first men’s minor premiership and are in the driver’s seat to claim a bigger slice of history with a breakthrough flag. Two-time reigning premier Brisbane will hope to make the most of home-and-away season runners-up Sydney banning five key players for a breach of club standards, while a resurgent Carlton can keep dreaming of a fairytale ending after climbing into 10th place.

Ahead of finals sign up for our free weekly AFL newsletter