The AFL has today confirmed the fixture for the 2026 Smithy’s VFL semi finals.
Saturday, September 5
First Semi Final: Tasmania vs Essendon
North Hobart Oval, 11:05am AEST
Broadcaster: Seven Network (7mate in Tasmania; 7plus nationally)
Second Semi Final: Werribee vs Port Melbourne
Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval, 12:05pm AEST
Broadcaster: ABC (ABC in Victoria, ABC iview nationally)
Both semi finals will be played on Saturday, September 5.
Tasmania will host Essendon at North Hobart Oval in the first semi final, with the winner to advance to play the Box Hill Hawks in the second preliminary final next week.
The Devils are looking to make the most of their double chance after falling to minor premier Geelong by 23 points in the first qualifying final. Meanwhile, the Bombers won through to the semi final after downing Williamstown in the club’s first VFL finals appearance since 2019.
The first semi final will be broadcast live and free by the Seven Network via 7mate in Tasmania and 7plus nationally. It will also be available to stream on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.
Werribee and Port Melbourne meet at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval in the second semi final. The winner will take on Geelong in the first preliminary final next week.
The Tigers will be searching for atonement after succumbing to a 13-point home defeat against the Box Hill Hawks in the second qualifying final, while the Borough are looking to continue their momentum after thrashing the Sydney Swans in the second elimination final.
The second semi final will be broadcast live and free by ABC TV VIC, the network’s main channel in Victoria, and ABC iview nationally. It will also be available to stream on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.
TICKETING
Admission prices for the 2026 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series are as follows:
For matches played in Victoria during wildcard finals through to the preliminary finals, admission prices will be adults $15, concession/pensioners $10 and children under 15 free.
For finals played in Tasmania during wildcard finals through to the preliminary finals, admission prices will be adults $25, concession/pensioners and juniors $12.50 and children under 3 free.
For the 2026 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final, admission prices will be adults $20, concession/pensioners $15 and children under 15 free.
Click here to purchase tickets for Tasmania vs Essendon via Ticketmaster from Wednesday 12:00pm.
Click here to purchase tickets for Werribee vs Port Melbourne via Intix fron Tuesday 12:00pm.
BROADCAST
The AFL is pleased to confirm that one match each week of the 2026 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series will be broadcast live and free by ABC TV VIC, the network’s main channel in Victoria, and ABC iview nationally.
The Seven Network will broadcast Tasmania Football Club’s home finals via Seven Tasmania and 7plus Sport nationally.
All matches, including the 2026 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final, will be streamed live and free on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.
SMITHY’S VFL FINALS SERIES STRUCTURE
Wildcard Finals
Saturday, August 22
First Wildcard Final: Sydney Swans 22.14 (146) def Frankston 11.12 (78)
Second Wildcard Final: Williamstown 19.7 (121) def Carlton 12.11 (83)
Qualifying and Elimination Finals
Saturday, August 29
First Qualifying Final: Geelong Cats 13.11 (89) def Tasmania 9.12 (66)
Second Qualifying Final: Werribee 15.6 (96) def Box Hill Hawks 16.13 (109)
First Elimination Final: Essendon 14.12 (96) def Williamstown 7.9 (51)
Second Elimination Final: Port Melbourne 17.14 (116) vs Sydney Swans 9.7 (61)
Semi Finals
Saturday, September 5
First Semi Final: Tasmania (4th) vs Essendon (5th)
Second Semi Final: Werribee (2nd) vs Port Melbourne (6th)
Preliminary Finals
Weekend of September 12-13
First Preliminary Final: Geelong Cats (1st) vs Winner of Second Semi Final
Second Preliminary Final: Box Hill Hawks (3rd) vs Winner of First Semi Final
Grand Final
Sunday, September 20
Grand Final: Winner of First Preliminary Final vs Winner of Second Preliminary Final
Please click here to view the 2026 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series graphic.
FINALS VENUES
The higher placed team on the Smithy’s VFL ladder at the conclusion of the home and away season had the option to host all matches from the wildcard finals through to the semi finals, subject to the club’s home venue meeting venue infrastructure requirements.
The preliminary finals will be hosted by the two qualifying final winners, subject to the club’s home venue meeting venue infrastructure requirements.
The 2026 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final will be played at IKON Park on Sunday, September 20 as a double header with the 2026 VFLW Grand Final.
