Overview
- The AFL confirmed Western Bulldogs v Collingwood for Friday, August 28 at the MCG and Melbourne v Carlton for Saturday, August 29 at the MCG, with public ticket sales scheduled the following week.
- Week-two fixtures were released with Fremantle to host Hawthorn at Optus Stadium on Thursday, September 3 and elimination finals at the MCG and Adelaide Oval on September 4–5 determined by wildcard winners.
- The decision to stage Victorian teams’ 'home' wildcard finals at the MCG has sparked criticism because it forces some clubs to play at a rival’s large-capacity ground in front of largely partisan crowds.
- Team availability is unsettled ahead of finals: Fremantle’s key defender Brennan Cox is unlikely to play with a calf injury, the Bulldogs are optimistic but monitoring Aaron Naughton’s ankle, Nick Watson was managed and cleared for Hawthorn, and Harley Reid may face an MRO review for a sling tackle.
- Fremantle finished as minor premiers with a perfect Optus Stadium record, the new wildcard format requires lower-ranked winners to win multiple sudden-death matches to progress, and the fixture choices will affect member access, revenue and interstate travel plans.