Which AFL teams are actually making finals in 2026?

This week, we go through every finals contender and break down what each club needs to do over the run home to lock in a September spot. We also react to Round 16, ask whether the lid is officially off at Carlton after six straight wins, preview the biggest games of Round 17, and check in on the ZAF tipping competition.

Who do you think makes the top eight? Let us know in the comments!

00:00 What YOUR team needs to make finals!

01:40 Geelong, Brisbane, Adelaide

05:32 Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne

10:55 Collingwood, Gold Coast

14:34 Carlton, St Kilda, GWS

17:21 Port Adelaide, West Coast, Richmond, Essendon

18:08 Round 16 Results

18:15 Lions, Hawks

21:20 Blues, Pies, Port

23:01 Roos, Dockers

24:57 The lid is off: Carlton win 6th straight game!

28:02 Voss cloud cleared the way

29:25 Top Blues leading the way

31:35 Room for Carlton to rebuild and grow

34:39 Round 17 Previews

34:48 Geelong and Brisbane battle for top 4

38:21 Hawthorn battle Melbourne

40:34 Sydney up against Bulldogs

42:42 Rest of Round 17

47:01 ZAF Tipping Update

With 2/3rds of the season completed, the awards races for the 2026 season are finally heating up, so can someone potentially create some distance in the Brownlow, is it Ben King's Coleman to lose, and is it just a 1/2 battle for the Rising Star?

The AFL is reportedly considering fixture changes — but is it actually a good idea? This week on Zero Access Footy, we break down the proposed changes, debate whether the AFL is becoming a little too NBA-inspired, and discuss what it could mean for fans, clubs and the competition.

We also review the biggest games from Round 15, including Fremantle's impressive win over Geelong, Gold Coast's disappointing loss to Hawthorn, and Adelaide continuing its strong season against Melbourne.

Plus, after another frustrating result, we ask the big question: Is it finally time for Gold Coast to get serious?

00:00 The AFL is changing its fixture?

04:30 Is the AFL becoming too NBA-gimmicky?

11:34 Round 15 Review

11:40 Fremantle dust off Geelong

14:23 Suns shocked by Hawks

18:30 Crows get over Dees

22:23 Rest of Round 15 Review

27:38 Is it time for Gold Coast to get serious?

35:33 Round 16 Preview

35:56 Brisbane and Sydney clash to keep hopes alive

39:40 Showdown 60 heats up!

41:23 Dockers and Suns in season-defining matchup

43:22 Rest of Round 16 Preview