AFL introduces wildcard finals round and All-Australian squad

The AFL has introduced a significant change to its finals format with the debut of a “wildcard round”. This play-in tournament features teams ranked seventh through tenth, where seventh plays tenth and eighth plays ninth. The winners advance to the top-six finals system, while the losers are eliminated. This marks the first structural change to the league's finals in 25 years.

Fremantle, the minor premiers, will begin their campaign with a Thursday night qualifying final against Hawthorn at Optus Stadium. The Dockers are also seeing record success in player recognition, with eight players named in the 46-man All-Australian squad, the largest number in the club's history.

In coaching news, club legend James Hird has confirmed he missed out on the Essendon head coaching position after a detailed selection process. Hird expressed disappointment, noting he had “put my heart and soul into the effort,” despite addressing past concerns regarding his relationship with former players from the supplements era.