The 2026 AFL season is heating up, with the introduction of the wildcard round adding an extra layer of excitement to the race for the top 10. As we approach the season's climax, let's take a closer look at the teams that are in the running and the challenges they face. Personally, I think that the Dockers are the team to beat, with their loaded roster and a run home that opens up nicely. However, the Swans remain a legitimate premiership contender, despite some recent setbacks. The Hawks are also back to their brutal best, with Nick Watson and Josh Weddle set to return. The Lions, meanwhile, have one of the easiest runs to September on paper, but they'll need to secure the double chance. The Bulldogs are a team that's hard to read, with some recent defeats raising questions about their credentials. The Magpies, on the other hand, are on a hot streak, with a juicy clash against the old enemy, Carlton, on the horizon. The Cats have had a tough fixture through to round 17, but they have potentially the softest run from round 18 onwards. The Saints need to make at least the wildcard round to show they've improved this season, while the Giants are in the battle for the wildcard round, despite some internal frustration. The Blues face one of the toughest runs home, with a clash against the old enemy and Brisbane and Fremantle also on the horizon. The Kangaroos, meanwhile, are a train wreck, with seven-straight losses and a tough run of remaining games. The Suns, despite a painful rebuild, have a middling run home on paper, with three interstate trips and a trip down the highway to face the Lions. The Power, despite a mathematical chance, realistically have their season over, particularly after the serious ankle injury to Zak Butters. In the end, the wildcard round has added an extra layer of excitement to the race for the top 10, with more teams remaining in the hunt at this point of the campaign. What will it take for these teams to secure their place in the finals? Only time will tell.
