The 2026 AFL season is heating up, with the top 10 teams battling it out for a spot in the finals. With six rounds remaining, the race is on, and the introduction of the wildcard round has added an extra layer of excitement. Who will make the finals? Here's a breakdown of the top 10 contenders and their chances.
Fremantle: The Team to Beat
Fremantle is currently two games clear on top of the ladder and is looking like the team to beat. Despite a goalless first half against Sydney, they mounted a comeback, scoring 100 points in the second half. Their run home is promising, with Port Adelaide and the derby against West Coast over the next fortnight. However, their season closer against Carlton at Marvel Stadium will be a crucial test.
Sydney: Legitimate Premiership Contenders
Sydney remains a legitimate premiership contender, but their recent losses to Brisbane and Fremantle have raised concerns. Coach Dean Cox's frustration post-half-time against Fremantle is understandable. The Swans host the Crows and then face the heated 'Battle of the Bridge'. Their remaining interstate games include a potentially tricky match against St Kilda and a less challenging game against Essendon.
Hawthorn: Back to Their Brutal Best
Hawthorn has returned to form, beating the Blues with Nick Watson and Josh Weddle set to return. After an indifferent month, they have a soft fortnight ahead, facing Richmond and Essendon. However, their final four games include three interstate trips, including a trip to Brisbane at the Gabba.
West Coast: Easing into September
West Coast has one of the easiest runs to September on paper. They face Port Adelaide and West Coast over the next fortnight, and they can still secure the double chance. However, their remaining games include tough matches against Sydney and Fremantle on the road.
Port Adelaide: In the Premiership Mix
Port Adelaide has its team humming and is in the premiership mix. They have won five of their past six games, but major challenges await. They face Sydney and Fremantle on the road, but they also have almost certain wins over Essendon and Richmond. Their remaining games include a crucial match against West Coast.
Geelong: Emotional Reunion with Christian Petracca
Geelong faces Fremantle, the Western Bulldogs, and an emotional reunion with Christian Petracca. The ex-Demon was injured and did not play when the two teams met earlier this season. The Cats have had a tough fixture through to round 17, but their remaining games are potentially softer.
Western Bulldogs: Are They for Real?
The Western Bulldogs have raised questions with defeats to Adelaide and Sydney in the past fortnight. Coach Luke Beveridge declared his team a 'marginal side' after an unconvincing win over West Coast. The Bulldogs have lived on the edge in recent seasons, and there's no reason to think this season will be different.
Collingwood: Hot Pies or Not?
Collingwood is on a hot streak with four wins on the trot. They face the old enemy, Carlton, this week, but they also have Adelaide, Geelong, Hawthorn, and the Lions to come. The management of Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom will be a fascinating watch.
Melbourne: Soft Run Ahead?
Melbourne has a potentially soft run ahead, with three games at the Cattery against St Kilda, Essendon, and Richmond. They also face Collingwood at the MCG. However, they need to show improvement to make the wildcard round.
St Kilda: Improved Performance Needed
St Kilda needs to show improvement to make the wildcard round. After a tough start to the year, they don't have to travel interstate again. A victory in Geelong on Thursday night would set their campaign alight.
Greater Western Sydney: Frustration and Improvement
Greater Western Sydney has been hard to read, but they lift against tougher opponents. They face the Bombers, an easy kill, and then a potentially season-defining home clash against the Swans. The Giants are internally frustrated by their inability to take care of teams they should beat.
Essendon: Potential for a Brutal Reality Check
Essendon faces one of the toughest runs home, with Brisbane and Fremantle awaiting. The Blues have a dream run for Josh Fraser, but now face a potential brutal reality check.
Kangaroos: Squandering Opportunities
The Kangaroos have squandered opportunities against Port Adelaide and Collingwood, remaining in the pack for a wildcard berth. Their remaining games are against legitimate finals or premiership aspirants, all of whom sit inside the current top 10. The round 20 clash against St Kilda will be pivotal.
Gold Coast: Train Wreck or Not?
The Gold Coast is a train wreck, with coach Damien Hardwick conceding the Suns' season is all but over after seven straight losses. They face Carlton, GWS, and St Kilda on interstate trips, and a trip down the highway to face the Lions. Their vaunted midfield needs to have more impact.
Adelaide: Mathematical Chance but Season Over
Adelaide has a mathematical chance but, realistically, their season is over after the serious ankle injury to Zak Butters. They face the Dockers in Adelaide and Brisbane at the Gabba.
Out of Finals Contention
West Coast and Richmond are out of finals contention, with the Eagles improving this season and the Tigers in a painful rebuild. Essendon is also struggling, with a glimmer of hope against Port Adelaide in round 24.
The 2026 AFL season is shaping up to be an exciting race, with the wildcard round adding an extra layer of unpredictability. Who will make the finals? It's anyone's guess, but the top 10 teams are certainly giving it their all.
