The 2026 AFLW finals series starts on Saturday with a double header at Ikon Park.
Geelong takes on Melbourne, and North Melbourne faces Carlton in a blockbuster Saturday in Melbourne, while on Sunday, the Swans host the Bulldogs at Henson Park and the Suns host the Hawks at People First Stadium.
Let's take a look at each side in contention and see what could see them go all the way or fall at the final hurdle.
North Melbourne
Qualifying final: Carlton
Why they could win it: Because they're North Melbourne.
Kidding... Kind of.
North Melbourne remains the benchmark of the competition and has secured a third consecutive minor premiership, they're the current back-to-back Premiers and they also have a double chance.
They straight up just know how to get it done, and we have spent the better part of two years dissecting how they can actually be beaten. The only blip on their radar was their Round 6 loss to Hawthorn. The depth in their side is unmatched, the stats sheet tells you their ability to spread contributions across the ground makes them particularly difficult to contain, while captain Jassy Garner continues to do her thing- she's yet again in contention for the League Best and Fairest which she has never won. Their 68-point victory over Richmond in the final round was another reminder of their scoring power, and they've got the finals experience to make it a three-peat.
Why they might not: The Kangaroos have shown they aren't completely invincible this season, with Hawthorn ending their extraordinary winning streak earlier in the campaign. They also have a couple of fitness concerns heading into finals, with Emma Kearney recovering from a hamstring injury and Eliza Shannon from concussion.
Geelong
Qualifying final: Melbourne
Why they could win it: Few teams have enjoyed a more impressive season than Geelong. Under former Melbourne Coach Mick Stinear, the Cats have developed into one of the competition's most dangerous attacking sides, finishing level on premiership points with the near indomitable North Melbourne. Their midfield combination, led by Georgie Prespakis and Nina Morrison, has been particularly influential.
The Cats finished the home and away season with an emphatic 68-point victory over the Western Bulldogs, securing a top-two finish and a home final. Their ability to dominate around the contest and convert that advantage into scoreboard pressure makes them a serious premiership threat.
Why they might not: Melbourne presents a significant opening challenge, The Demons have plenty of finals experience and they also know that the midfield is where they have to dominate them.
Melbourne
Qualifying final: Geelong
Why they could win it: Melbourne has once again positioned itself among the competition's leading teams, finishing third after a strong home and away campaign. The Demons have a wealth of experience, with Kate Hore and Tyla Hanks among the players capable of influencing a final. Their midfield has the ability to compete with the best sides, and their experience in September should not be underestimated. T
Why they might not: The injury list is a concern for the Demons. Sinead Goldrick (hamstring) and Shelley Heath-Barker (concussion) both missed the final round and are potential omissions for the clash against Geelong. Key forward Mia Austin (throat) is another player whose availability remains uncertain, while Lauren Clifton (foot) and Eliza McNamara (jaw) are also facing fitness battles. The availability of those players could be significant against a Geelong side that has been particularly difficult to contain in recent weeks. Melbourne will need its available players to step up if it is to progress directly to a preliminary final.
Carlton
Qualifying final: North Melbourne
Why they could win it: Carlton has shown plenty of resilience throughout the season and has earned a qualifying final against the reigning premiers. The Blues produced one of the best comebacks of the final round, overturning a 22-point half-time deficit to defeat former Premiers, Brisbane. Sophie McKay was instrumental in the turnaround, kicking all three of her goals after half-time, to avenge an injury interrupted season. North are very, very difficult to beat, but The Blues are finding ways to beat sides they'd never have before.
Why they might not: Carlton have drawn the toughest opening round opponent. The Roos have unmatched finals experience, depth and stability. Carlton will need to challenge their inner Hawthorn to try and defeat them defensively. There are also a couple of availability questions for the Blues, with Brooke Boileau (foot) and Jess Good (foot) potential selection concerns. Good was managed in the final round, while Boileau's estimated return makes her availability another one to watch. They will need a full healthy list to contend.
Gold Coast
Elimination final: Hawthorn
Why they could win it: Gold Coast has continued from strength to strength with a really exciting young side. Their final-round victory over Greater Western Sydney demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure, recovering from a significant third-quarter setback to secure a nine-point win. They narrowly missed out on a top-four position, but will now have the home ground advantage.
Why they might not: The Suns have some significant availability concerns heading into their elimination final. Daisy D'Arcy and Dekota Baron are both recovering from concussion, while Clara Fitzpatrick (foot) is also a potential omission.
Sydney
Elimination final: Western Bulldogs
Why they could win it: Sydney has taken another step forward this season, and they have Chloe Molloy who finished the home-and-away season with 27 goals, setting a new AFLW single-season record and claiming the 2026 Leading Goalkicker Award. Finishing sixth and setting a new club record with nine home and away victories, the Swans have developed into a genuine finals contender and their final-round one-point win over Fremantle demonstrated their ability to handle pressure. Playing at Henson Park at home and the support the Swans garner from their fans in Sydney should not be discounted either, as they regularly top attendance records across rounds.
Why they might not: The Swans have been dealt some significant injury blows throughout the season. Ruck Ally Morphett and Brenna Tarrant have both been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with ACL injuries, while Sofia Hurley (ankle) is another potential omission for the opening final. Losing Morphett in particular has left a significant hole in their ruck stocks. Sydney also don't have a second chance, so this week it's do or die.
Western Bulldogs
Elimination final: Sydney
Why they could win it: The Bulldogs have earned their place in the eight and have proven themselves repeatedly across the season. Their midfield has the ability to compete with quality opposition, while experienced players like the Ellie Blackburn's of the world provide important leadership in high-pressure situations. They will also be determined to prove themselves after a belting from Geelong last week.
Why they might not: Their final-round performance against Geelong was poor, suffering a 68-point defeat. The Bulldogs were also without co-captain Isabelle Pritchard, who is recovering from a knee injury and Jess Fitzgerald (hamstring) is another player whose availability remains uncertain, Pritchard's potential return would be particularly important given her influence around the contest. The Bulldogs will need their remaining midfield leaders to step up against a Sydney side playing its first-ever AFLW home final.
Hawthorn
Elimination final: Gold Coast
Why they could win it: Hawthorn has timed its run towards finals well, securing eighth spot with a commanding 55-point victory over West Coast in the final round and their highest-ever AFLW score of 94 points. They have also qualified for finals for a third consecutive season which will provide confidence, they are also the only team to have beaten the reigning premiers this year.
Why they might not: The Hawks have had to navigate some significant injuries throughout the season. Emily Bates, Emily Everist, and Matilda Van Berkel have all been ruled out for the season, with Bates' absence particularly significant from an experience and leadership perspective. Grace Baba (ankle), Mackenzie Eardley (ankle) are tests.