The 2026 AFLW finals are locked in, with the all-Victorian top four to make history.

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For the first time since the AFLW’s creation, neither Brisbane nor Adelaide will feature in the grand final after both sides missed finals altogether in 2026.

Remarkably it’s just the third time in AFLW history – and the first since 2022 – that the Lions won’t be there for the decider, having contested the past four grand finals.

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Melbourne will play in the opening final against Geelong.Source: Getty Images

The 2026 fixture will see Geelong host the finals opener at IKON Park on Saturday afternoon, given their home ground is unavailable due to a venue clash with Australia’s premier Supercross AUSX Open.

That qualifying final against Melbourne will serve as the first match of an IKON Park double header with North Melbourne to follow with their clash against Carlton.

The winner will then book themselves a home preliminary final, with the loser to host the winner of the Sunday elimination finals.

The finals then head to Sydney’s Henson Park for the Swans’ elimination final against the Bulldogs, with the last match of week one Gold Coast’s do-or-die clash with Hawthorn from 3.05pm AEDT.

“I like this double header set up,” Lauren Wood said on Fox Footy’s W Debrief.

“I know they are interstate games on a Sunday, but particularly the Saturday timeslot I know we’ve had them in years gone by with quite a big gap between games. The 1.05pm into the 4.05pm, it’s quite nice – everyone can get down and make a real day of it.”

But Wood did question the conditions for the final match given the timeslot handed to the Gold Coast.

“It is the heat of the day really for them (Gold Coast), the two o’clock local time on the Gold Coast. 26 degrees forecast at the moment,” she explained.

“Could be polar opposites (playing conditions) across the few days.”

North Melbourne have the chance to secure a record third consecutive flag.Source: Getty Images

Wood also explained why there is no Friday night final for the AFLW in week one.

“The absence of a Friday night game, we understand that may be due to the turnaround,” she confirmed.

“Just the teams playing, a number of them in action today, the likes of Sydney and Melbourne.

“The league would be keen to avoid those short turnarounds particularly in the finals so that’s why we’re going for Saturday and Sunday.”

Both Sydney and Melbourne had away games in that final round, with the Swans to return from Perth and the Dees travelling back from Adelaide.

While it’s Geelong opening the finals series, it will be away from their home venue in disappointing news for the top two side.

“We’re in the exact scenario everyone wanted to avoid,” Wood said of the venue booking clash.

“The Kardinia Park Trust are the ones that are behind this decision.

“Years gone by they’ve forgone a number of opportunities like this (Supercross) – that bring a lot of money not only to the Trust but also the region for Geelong. They say they have turned their back on events like this for what could have been in the AFLW finals, and it hasn’t then eventuated.

“They had to make this call a number of months ago … the scenario has played out exactly how no one wanted it to.

“It’s incredibly unfortunate for these women.

“They’ve earnt the right to this home final and unfortunately now are missing out.”

Wood confirmed GMHBA Stadium could be available for any further AFLW finals – but just not next weekend due to the dirt that would be on the surface.

While it’s not the outcome the Cats had hoped for, the AFLW were proud of the closeness of this season – given just three wins separated eighth and 14th.

“It’s been a thrilling finish to the home-and-away season, with the order of the top eight coming right down to the wire,” AFLW executive general manager Laura Kane said.

“It’s a great reflection of how competitive this season has been, and with an exciting mix of teams and storylines, we’re set for an even bigger finals series.”

Week 1 of the 2026 NAB AFLW Finals Series:

Second Qualifying Final

Geelong Cats v Melbourne

Saturday, 7 November

IKON Park, 1.05pm AEDT

First Qualifying Final

North Melbourne v Carlton

Saturday, 7 November

IKON Park, 4.05pm AEDT

Second Elimination Final

Sydney Swans v Western Bulldogs

Sunday, 8 November

Henson Park, 1.05pm AEDT

First Elimination Final

Gold Coast Suns v Hawthorn

Sunday, 8 November

People First Stadium, 3.05pm AEDT/ 2.05pm AEST