# AFL player recognition and finals format changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/afl-player-recognition-and-finals-format-changes
> Updated: 2026-08-23T09:45:00.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2.

The AFL season has seen significant developments regarding player recognition and structural changes to the competition.

Initially, the AFL Players’ Association announced its 22Under22 squad, highlighting top talent aged 22 and under. Notable nominees included players from the Melbourne Demons, West Coast Eagles, and Fremantle Dockers, with fans voting to determine the final squad.

Following this, the league introduced its first major structural change to the finals system in 25 years by debuting a “wildcard round”. This play-in tournament involves teams ranked seventh through tenth, with winners advancing to the top-six finals. Additionally, player recognition continued with the announcement of the 46-man All-Australian squad, which saw Fremantle Dockers achieve a club record with eight players named.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: AFL introduces wildcard finals round and All-Australian squad

The AFL debuts a new wildcard finals round while Fremantle celebrates a record eight All-Australian squad nominations. Meanwhile, James Hird's bid to return as Essendon coach has been unsuccessful.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afl-introduces-new-wildcard-round-and-freezes-entry-level-ticket-prices

### 2026-08-05: AFL 22Under22 Squad Highlights Young Talent from Melbourne, West Coast and Fremantle

AFL's 22Under22 squad names Melbourne's Langford and Tholstrup, West Coast's four nominees, and Fremantle's Reid and Erasmus; voting ends 12 Aug, final team on 19 Aug.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afl-22under22-squad-highlights-young-talent-from-melbourne-west-coast-and-fremantle

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Cite as: AFL player recognition and finals format changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/afl-player-recognition-and-finals-format-changes