BLOG RECAP: Star Cats back, Tigers gun to return, North's assistance request

All the latest news in the lead-up to week one of finals

IT'S FINALLY here.

Anticipation is building ahead of a HUGE first week of finals. Join us right here for all the latest news as our final eight teams take the first step in their premiership tilt.

>> CATCH UP WITH TODAY'S NEWS IN FOOTY FEED BELOW

04:24

The action kicks off on Thursday night when Brisbane hosts Richmond in a do-or-die elimination final at the Gabba.

On Friday night, a high-flying Sydney travels to the MCG for a monster qualifying final clash against reigning premier Melbourne.

Saturday's action features a twilight fixture between minor premier Geelong and a red-hot Collingwood at a sold-out MCG, followed by another massive elimination final with Fremantle hosting the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium.

We'll bring you all the breaking news FIRST from 3pm AEST.

Live Blog

09:38

Indigenous Team of the Century, 20 years on: The forwards

Chris Johnson, Michael O'Loughlin and Chad Wingard join Ernie Dingo to commemorate 20 years since the Indigenous Team of the Century was named, looking at Winmar, Krakouer and the great forwards

AFL
10:23

Indigenous Team of the Century, 20 years on: The midfielders

Chris Johnson, Michael O'Loughlin and Chad Wingard join Ernie Dingo to commemorate 20 years since the Indigenous Team of the Century was named, looking at McLeod, Farmer and the great midfielders

AFL
19:12

Brekky, bowling, and Dan Gorringe: Inside No.1 pick’s whirlwind draft day

How does a top prospect wind down the hours before draft night? We spent draft day running, bowling and brunching with Olivia Wolmarans

AFLW

The longest drought: Your club's most goal-shy players

Check which player has the longest active goal drought at your club

AFL
Chris Scott eyes 400 games in charge after signing new deal

The Geelong coach will join some of the game's greatest coaches during his new contract, announced on Thursday night

AFL
Merrett to link up with Mitchell as Victoria returns to the Danger zone

Victoria has announced seven more players for the 2026 AAMI AFL Origin match against Victoria

AFL

14:17

The Insider: Deadline Day with Cal Twomey

Go behind the scenes with AFL.com.au newsbreaker Cal Twomey for all the highs and lows of a dramatic Deadline Day

09:38

Indigenous Team of the Century, 20 years on: The forwards

Chris Johnson, Michael O'Loughlin and Chad Wingard join Ernie Dingo to commemorate 20 years since the Indigenous Team of the Century was named, looking at Winmar, Krakouer and the great forwards

AFL
10:23

Indigenous Team of the Century, 20 years on: The midfielders

Chris Johnson, Michael O'Loughlin and Chad Wingard join Ernie Dingo to commemorate 20 years since the Indigenous Team of the Century was named, looking at McLeod, Farmer and the great midfielders

AFL
19:12

Brekky, bowling, and Dan Gorringe: Inside No.1 pick’s whirlwind draft day

How does a top prospect wind down the hours before draft night? We spent draft day running, bowling and brunching with Olivia Wolmarans

AFLW
03:29

Pride, passion and history: What Origin means to current stars

Cripps, Daicos, Bontempelli and more explain what Origin means to them ahead of the return of state v state footy in 2026

AFL

The longest drought: Your club's most goal-shy players

Check which player has the longest active goal drought at your club

AFL
Chris Scott eyes 400 games in charge after signing new deal

The Geelong coach will join some of the game's greatest coaches during his new contract, announced on Thursday night

AFL
Merrett to link up with Mitchell as Victoria returns to the Danger zone

Victoria has announced seven more players for the 2026 AAMI AFL Origin match against Victoria

AFL
Having followed his head over his heart, this new Swan could be ready to launch

After being unable to break through for regular opportunities at the Hawks, Jai Serong tells AFL.com.au how he made the call to join the Swans

AFL

BLOG RECAP: Star Cats back, Tigers gun to return, North's assistance request

Footy Feed: Finals fever, Pies primed, trade latest

Indigenous Team of the Century, 20 years on: The forwards

Indigenous Team of the Century, 20 years on: The midfielders

Brekky, bowling, and Dan Gorringe: Inside No.1 pick’s whirlwind draft day

The longest drought: Your club's most goal-shy players

Chris Scott eyes 400 games in charge after signing new deal

Merrett to link up with Mitchell as Victoria returns to the Danger zone

The Insider: Deadline Day with Cal Twomey

Latest Videos

Indigenous Team of the Century, 20 years on: The forwards

Indigenous Team of the Century, 20 years on: The midfielders

Brekky, bowling, and Dan Gorringe: Inside No.1 pick’s whirlwind draft day

Pride, passion and history: What Origin means to current stars

Latest News

The longest drought: Your club's most goal-shy players

Chris Scott eyes 400 games in charge after signing new deal

Merrett to link up with Mitchell as Victoria returns to the Danger zone

Having followed his head over his heart, this new Swan could be ready to launch

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Major Partners

Acknowledgement of Country

Footy Feed: Finals fever, Pies primed, trade latest

Indigenous Team of the Century, 20 years on: The forwards

Indigenous Team of the Century, 20 years on: The midfielders

Brekky, bowling, and Dan Gorringe: Inside No.1 pick’s whirlwind draft day

The longest drought: Your club's most goal-shy players

Chris Scott eyes 400 games in charge after signing new deal

Merrett to link up with Mitchell as Victoria returns to the Danger zone

'We’ve learned a lot from our mistakes': Rain won't dampen Freo's parade

Indigenous Team of the Century, 20 years on: The forwards

Indigenous Team of the Century, 20 years on: The midfielders

Brekky, bowling, and Dan Gorringe: Inside No.1 pick’s whirlwind draft day

Pride, passion and history: What Origin means to current stars

The longest drought: Your club's most goal-shy players

Chris Scott eyes 400 games in charge after signing new deal

Merrett to link up with Mitchell as Victoria returns to the Danger zone

Having followed his head over his heart, this new Swan could be ready to launch

Naming Rights Partner

Major Partners

Download the Official AFL App

Acknowledgement of Country