THE current, simplified final eight system was introduced in 2000.

In the first week all eight teams play. The games are:

  • 1st v 4th
  • 2nd v 3rd
  • 5th v 8th
  • 6th v 7th

The top four sides on the ladder after the home and away season are guaranteed a double chance after the first week of the finals, while sides finishing 5th to 8th need to win every game to win the Premiership.

The winners of the games 1st v 4th, and 2nd v 3rd proceed straight to the preliminary final in week 3.

The losers of those games receive the double chance and play in the semi-finals in week 2.

The games 5th v 8th and 6th v 7th will be cut-throat qualifying finals with the losers being eliminated and the winners proceeding to the semi-finals.

The remaining three weeks of the finals are cut-throat.

The winners of the semi-final in week 2 proceed to the preliminary final, while the losers are eliminated.

There are two preliminary finals played with the winners both proceeding to the AFL Grand Final.

The losers are eliminated.

The Final Eight: Path to the Grand Final