Wildcard round on the horizon could redefine AFLW finals
The AFLW landscape is watching closely as talks intensify about a wildcard round planned for the 2026 season. If introduced, teams that finish as low as 10th on the ladder after the home-and-away season would earn a second chance to qualify for finals. The proposed format is designed to inject extra excitement into the run to the premiership and give more clubs a tangible shot at the flag.
What the wildcard round could mean for Adelaide and St Kilda
Adelaide Crows and St Kilda Saints have both demonstrated potential this season, but the wildcard concept could tilt the competitive balance in favor of teams finishing mid to lower on the ladder. For Adelaide, the extra path to finals could complement their elite midfield pressure and forward pressure inside forward 50. For St Kilda, the wildcard round would act as a high-stakes entry point to the finals, potentially leveling the playing field against stronger brands of football late in the season.
How the wildcard changes the ladder dynamics
Under the proposed system, teams battling for a top-eight finish would still chase the traditional finals berth, while a group in the 9th through 12th range could gain a second life. This reshapes risk-reward calculations across the season, encouraging clubs to maintain form deeper into the year rather than piecing together late surges. For fans, it creates a fresh narrative: which teams can peak at the right moment to force their way into September football?
Momentum and matchups that could decide the race
Adelaide’s balance between control in the midfield and efficient kicking can be a springboard in a wildcard scenario, where small margins matter in one-off games. St Kilda’s development curve—building young talent and improving structures—could be accelerated by the pressure of a sudden-death contest, should they earn a wildcard berth. The potential format might see teams contesting extra elimination rounds, with weeks of rest and travel considerations factoring into coaching strategies.
Fan and club reactions
Reaction among clubs is mixed but generally positive about the added competitiveness. Supporters see it as a fairer chance for teams who were unlucky or hit by injuries during the home-and-away season. Critics warn about fixture congestion and the need to preserve player welfare. The AFL’s task is to design a system that rewards consistency while acknowledging that a few pivotal games can tilt the ladder late in the year.
What happens next
Detailed proposals are expected to surface as the league coordinates stakeholder input, broadcasting considerations, and scheduling. If approved, the wildcard round would debut in 2026, reshaping the road to the AFLW premiership and creating new storylines for Adelaide, St Kilda, and across the competition. For now, teams are focused on improving-week-to-week results, while fans speculate about potential matchups and the early impact of this significant change.
