September is right around the corner and that means one thing – finals footy.

After 24 weeks of action the final ten teams will face off across four weeks to determine the 2026 AFL Premiership winner. 

Are you a new fan looking to get game day ready? Or perhaps a seasoned member brushing up on your knowledge?  

We’ve made understanding finals easy with an explainer on everything you need to know this September.  

View the Finals Match Day Hub for all the important match and ticketing information.

First things first, who plays who? 

WEEK ONE - WILDCARD FINALS

After Round 24 the fixture for the 2026 Toyota AFL Finals Series is determined by the final ladder - and the two wildcard final match-ups have been locked in.

On Friday, August 28 the Western Bulldogs will host Collingwood at the MCG from 7.40pm AEST in the first of the wildcard finals. 

Melbourne will then host Carlton at the MCG on Saturday, August 29 from 7.35pm AEST. 

WEEK TWO - QUALIFYING AND ELIMINATION FINALS

In week two, Fremantle will open the 2026 finals series with a Thursday night qualifying final against Hawthorn at Optus Stadium.

The Dockers will face the Hawks from 8.10pm AEST (6.10pm local) on Thursday September 3 at Optus Stadium, while Sydney will host Brisbane at the SCG on Saturday September 5 at 3.15pm AEST in the other qualifying final.

Geelong will play its elimination final at the MCG on the Friday night at before Adelaide plays theirs on the Saturday night, with their opponents to be determined by the winners of this weekend's wildcard games. 

The Cats will play the lowest ranked wildcard winner and the Crows will host the highest ranked wildcard winner.

WEEK THREE - PRELIMINARY FINALS

In the preliminary final, the winner of QF1 will play the winner of SF2. The winner of QF2 will play the winner of SF1. The winners of each preliminary final will progress to the 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final.  

The teams placed first, second, fifth and sixth will play on home territory.  

WEEK FOUR - GRAND FINAL

The final two teams will play in the Grand Final at the MCG on Saturday, September 26 - the final weekend of September.

When are teams named? 

As per the home-and-away season, teams will be announced on Wednesdays at 6:20pm for Thursday games, and Thursday at 6:20pm for Friday and Saturday matches.  

Is there overtime? 

During the home-and-away season overtime is not played after a draw. However, during finals additional time will occur if there is a tie.  

After a six-minute rest period, each club will change ends and commence three minutes of additional time (plus stoppages) and change ends again for another three minutes of play without delay.  

If scores are still level, additional time will be repeated.  

How many premierships have the Sydney Swans won? 

South Melbourne and the Sydney Swans have won 10 premierships over the club’s long history including five VFA premierships five VFL/AFL premierships. Most recently, the Swans took home the 2012 premiership, just seven years after winning the 2005 premiership.  

Learn more about the premierships HERE. 

How do I get involved in 2026? 

Now you’re up to date, it’s time get involved.  

Check out our Finals Hub for all your match and ticketing information and follow our social channels for real-time updates: Instagram, Facebook and X.

Can’t make it to a live match? Watch the game via the big screen at one of our Swans Friendly Venues or at home on Channel 7, Fox Footy or Kayo.