Wildcards locked in: Blues, Pies, Demons and Dogs learn their fate for history-making round Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon and Hawthorn have secured their spots in the historic wildcard finals following the latest round of AFL fixtures. The Blues, after a dramatic resurgence under new coach Josh Fraser, have booked a place in the semifinal against the seventh-placed Melbourne Demons, while the Bulldogs will host Collingwood in the other matchup. This marks the first time in AFL history that four teams outside the top six have reached the finals, setting the stage for an unprecedented showdown. The Blues' path to the finals began with a resounding 18.11 (119) to 12.10 (82) victory over ladder leaders Fremantle at Marvel Stadium. Despite starting the match four goals down, the team quickly turned things around, thanks in large part to the leadership of captain Sam Walsh. The 28-year-old midfielder, who has become a cornerstone of the club’s revival, recorded 32 possessions and kicked a crucial goal to help secure the win. The result sends the Blues into the finals with momentum, having won 11 of their last 14 games after a rocky start to the season. Elijah Hollands, the 24-year-old midfielder-forward who missed the entire second half of the 2026 season due to a mental health episode, remains a focal point for the club. His absence has been felt, particularly after the Blues were fined $75,000 in April for mishandling the situation during a match against Collingwood. The AFL cited visual cues, performance data, and prior knowledge of Hollands’ condition as reasons for the fine, which was levied against the club as a whole rather than any individual player. While CEO Graham Wright expressed skepticism about Hollands returning to play, he emphasized ongoing support for the player, noting that he has not returned to training and is currently contemplating his future. Collingwood, meanwhile, faces a challenge of its own. Star players Scott Pendlebury and Brayden Maynard are both sidelined for their wildcard clash against the Bulldogs, leaving the Pies to rely heavily on depth and experience. The Bulldogs, however, have shown resilience throughout the season, positioning themselves as potential contenders in the final. Their upcoming fixture against Collingwood will test their ability to maintain consistency under pressure. The Bulldogs’ campaign has been marked by a blend of grit and tactical discipline, with standout performances from players such as Pat Voss and Ollie Hollands. Voss, known for his composure under duress, has been instrumental in several critical moments, including a vital goal that helped narrow the gap against the Blues. Hollands, though unable to contribute in recent weeks, remains a key figure in the club’s long-term strategy. The Demons, ranked seventh in the league, have also demonstrated strength in their recent outings. Their preparation for the wildcard final against Carlton will hinge on maintaining their defensive solidity and capitalizing on opportunities in attack. With the finals format allowing for unexpected outcomes, the Demons’ position as underdogs adds intrigue to the matchup. As the AFL enters this pivotal phase, the focus shifts to the final two weeks of the regular season, where the outcome of these matchups will shape the trajectory of the finals. For Carlton, the challenge is to sustain their current form and ensure they are ready for the intensity of the postseason. For the rest of the teams involved, the wildcard round represents a chance to rewrite their narratives and make history.
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