# Australian football 2026 season updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australian-football-2026-season-updates
> Updated: 2026-07-25T09:44:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026 the Australian football calendar saw concurrent developments at both regional and national levels. The Northern Tasmanian Football Association announced a shift of its Division 1 and Division 2 grand finals to community venues to reduce travel distances and enhance the spectator experience, while highlighting a standout 70‑disposal performance by Josh Ponting in the NWFL.

A few days later the Australian Football League posted its ladder after Round 20, with Fremantle on top and a new "Wildcard Round" expanding finals to the top ten. State‑league action continued across the VFL, WAFL and SANFL, featuring notable individual feats such as Will McLachlan’s eight‑goal game for Brisbane. Together, these updates illustrate ongoing adjustments to competition formats and notable on‑field achievements across Australia’s football landscape.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-25: Australian Football 2026 Season Ladder and State League Action

The 2026 AFL season sees Fremantle atop a 24‑week ladder, with a new Wildcard Round expanding finals to ten teams. State leagues report Brisbane's win over North Melbourne and Carlton's victory over Gold Coast,

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-football-2026-season-ladder-and-state-league-action

### 2026-07-21: Australian regional football sees finals venue shift and record 70-disposal performance

NTFA grand finals in Tasmania shift to community venues for 12 Sept, while NWFL star Josh Ponting logs a 70‑disposal game in Round 13, boosting his Baldock Medal chances.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-regional-football-sees-finals-venue-shift-and-record-70-disposal-performance

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Cite as: Australian football 2026 season updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australian-football-2026-season-updates