The favourites all got the job done on semi-final weekend and the final four are locked in. The survivors also made up the top four from the regular season, showing that all clubs finished pretty much where they deserved in 2026.

But its finals time, the long and treacherous regular season is behind us as the Swans host the Minor Premiers, Fremantle, in Sydney and Hawthorn awaits Brisbane at the MCG. 

Looking back at last week, Wayne Milera went under his disposals as predicted, but Josh Treacy only managed to nab a single goal, so we finished one from two for best bets across the semi-finals. Here’s hoping we can land both this time around.

At the end of this glorious Preliminary Final weekend, we’ll have the two clubs that’ll join Kylie at the 2026 AFL Grand Final. Finals footy really does hit different.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our AFL tips and predictions for the preliminary finals below.

Sydney Swans vs Fremantle Dockers Prediction

Friday, September 18, 7:40pm AEST - SCG, Sydney

The Swans are chasing the most unlikely premiership in recent history.

They have also gone from the club under the most pressure to break their Grand Final hoodoo to the side with the least expectation sitting on their back. That is a handy place to be in the last week of September.

Sydney's qualifying final effort against Brisbane was sublime. It was full of merit and bravery, but it was also full of class and composure and a 53-point win over the reigning premiers does not happen by accident.

The more people talk about Sydney having come through the weaker side of the draw, the more steeled and ready this group becomes. There is no chance the Dockers are taking them lightly here.

Against Geelong, Fremantle's best players flipped the script from the Qualifying Final and played exactly how they are supposed to.

Shai Bolton electrified early, Luke Jackson dominated the big moments and Jordan Clark went back-to-back with another big game.

Freo feel more ready for the moment after staring down the Geelong comeback and kicking away for the win. That is the sort of experience you cannot manufacture at training.

The clash between Jackson and Brodie Grundy shapes as immense as two of the games best ruckmen go head-to-head. It may well define the game. Whoever gets first hands to the ball at the SCG gives their midfield the platform to win a Grand Final berth and a shot at making history.

Luke Jackson may just be the difference in this one.

Head-to-head prediction: Fremantle Dockers by 11 points.

Betting tip: Fremantle 1-39 points.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Brisbane Lions Prediction

Saturday, September 19, 5:15pm AEST - MCG, Melbourne

How much relevance does the most recent clash between these two sides actually hold?

In that Round 22 game, just 5 weeks ago at the Gabba, the Hawks were handed a genuine hammering. Brisbane won 125-58, a 67-point pounding that left Hawthorn to take a look in the mirror.

It appears that the mirror gave them some answers and those answers may have led directly to the Western Australian ambush a fortnight ago.

Brisbane have been magnificent in MCG games in September, with Grand Final victories and preliminary final wins aplenty in the last few years. They will believe here, and they have every right to.

For the Hawks, their 2025 visit to the 'G for a preliminary final ended with a Patrick Dangerfield classic and a 30-point loss. Danger finished that night with 32 disposals and three goals and Hawthorn have had 12 months to think about it.

Both squads will be primed and both will believe they are the best team left standing in these finals. Because of that, we would suggest we are in for an instant classic.

Brisbane's ability to win the game in a 10-minute burst is what separates them and we think they find that burst somewhere after half-time.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions by five points.

Betting tip: Brisbane Lions 1-39 points.

Odds are subject to change.*