In 2026, the Sydney Swans are prelim bound. 

Locking in second spot at the conclusion of the regular home and away season, we had a commanding victory over the Brisbane Lions at the SCG in the Qualifying Final.

We will now host a Preliminary Final at the SCG against the Fremantle Dockers on Friday, September 18 at 7:40pm AEST.

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 locked in.

In the Wildcard Finals, the Western Bulldogs had a thrilling three-point victory over Collingwood on Friday, August 28 at the MCG while Carlton defeated Melbourne by 19-points on Saturday, August 29.

WEEK TWO - QUALIFYING AND ELIMINATION FINALS

In week two, Fremantle opened their finals campaign Optus Stadium going down to Hawthorn while Sydney had a commanding victory over the Brisbane Lions at the SCG in their Qualifying Final.

Geelong defeated Carlton in their elimination final at the MCG while the Adelaide Crows defeated the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval.

WEEK THREE - SEMI FINALS

Fremantle were victorious at Optus Stadium securing a victory over Geelong in the first Semi Final on Friday, September 11.

Brisbane defeated Adealaide in the second Semi Final on Saturday, September 12 at The Gabba.

WEEK FOUR - PRELIMINARY FINALS

In the preliminary final, Hawthorn host Brisbane while the Sydney Swans will host Fremantle.

The winners of each preliminary final will progress to the 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final.  

All Preliminary Finals will be broadcast live nationally across the Seven Network and Foxtel and streamed via 7plus, Kayo and Binge. 

WEEK FIVE - 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.