The stage is set for the 2026 NAB AFLW Finals Series, with eight teams ready to battle it out for Premiership glory this November.
The AFL officially launched the Finals Series in Richmond today, with Melbourne-based artist Rory Lynch-Wells bringing the road to Premiership glory to life through a spectacular 162-square-metre mural.
With work on the mural in its final stages, the artwork features AFLW stars Georgie Prespakis (Geelong Cats), Kate Hore (Melbourne), and Jasmine Garner (North Melbourne) alongside this year’s Premiership Cup.
AFL Executive General Manager of AFLW, Health and Football Operations Laura Kane was joined by current AFLW players Jasmine Garner (North Melbourne), Georgie Rankin (Geelong Cats), Mia Austin(Melbourne), Harriet Cordner (Carlton), Mikala Cann (Western Bulldogs), Eliza West (Hawthorn), and junior footballers for the launch, where this year’s AFLW Premiership Cup Ambassador and Grand Final medal presenters were revealed.
Three-time Adelaide Crows premiership captain and AFLW champion Chelsea Randall has been named this year’s AFLW Premiership Cup Ambassador, joining the likes of fellow trailblazers Debbie Lee (2025), Erin Phillips OAM (2024), G Flip (2023) and 2017 AFLW premiership teammate Abbey Holmes (Season Seven, 2022).
As part of the role, Randall will participate in the 2026 NAB AFLW Premiership Cup Tour, which will take the game’s ultimate prize to fans and communities across the country, commencing in Sydney tomorrow, Thursday 5 November.
AFL Commissioners Denise Bowden, Gabrielle Trainor AO and Andrew Ireland have been named this year’s NAB AFLW Grand Final medal presenters, with Bowden to present the Premiership Captain Medal, Trainor the Premiership Coach Medal and Ireland the Best on Ground Medal.
Current AFL Goal Umpire Georgia Henderson, who has officiated across the AFLW, VFL and SANFL, will present the medals to the umpires appointed to the 2026 NAB AFLW Grand Final.
The 2026 NAB AFLW Finals Series will feature the return of the Western Bulldogs, Gold Coast SUNS and the Sydney Swans to November action, with all three qualifying for Finals for the first time in several years.
Reigning premiers North Melbourne will chase history as they pursue an unprecedented third consecutive AFLW Premiership, while Carlton, Geelong Cats, Hawthorn and Melbourne round out the final eight.
For the third consecutive year, the AFL has announced a ticket price freeze for all 2026 NAB AFLW Finals Series matches – remaining the same as the 2025 NAB AFLW Finals Series. Weeks 1 and 2 will be frozen at $15 for adults and juniors (under 15) attend for free – while Week 3 Preliminary Final tickets stay at $20.
2026 NAB AFLW Grand Final tickets are also frozen at $35 for adults, $5 for juniors (under 15) and $70 for a family ticket (two adults and two juniors), allowing juniors to attend for free.
Following a record-breaking home-and-away season, in which 321,410 fans attended matches, Kane said the 2026 NAB AFLW Finals Series was set to deliver a blockbuster month of football.
“Finals football brings a different energy, and after an incredible NAB AFLW season, we’re now down to eight teams with everything on the line.
“There are so many great stories heading into this Finals Series, from experienced finals campaigners chasing another Premiership to teams writing new chapters, and we can’t wait to see what unfolds across November.
“We’ve seen a record number of fans come through the gates this season, which speaks to the passion and momentum behind this competition, and we want as many people as possible to be part of finals. With ticket prices frozen for a third consecutive year, it remains an incredibly accessible way for families and fans to experience finals football.”
“We’re also thrilled to have Chelsea Randall as our Premiership Cup Ambassador. Chelsea has given so much to AFLW and, together with this year’s medal presenters, represents the people who have helped build this competition and continue to take it forward.”
As a longstanding partner of AFLW, NAB Chief Marketing Officer Natalie Lockwood said the Finals Series was an exciting opportunity to celebrate the players, clubs and fans who make this competition so special.
“We’re proud to be a partner at every stage of the game, and the NAB AFLW Finals Series is one of the highlights of the season. It’s a brilliant showcase of women’s footy, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s finals deliver.”
All matches in the 2026 NAB AFLW Finals Series will be broadcast live nationally on the Seven Network, 7plus, Foxtel, Kayo Sports and Binge.
The 2026 NAB AFLW Grand Final will be held on Friday night, 27 November, with the highest ranked club earning the home ground hosting rights. The exact start time of the 2026 NAB AFLW Grand Final will be decided once the venue is confirmed.
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
