NRL and AFL Finals: Everything You Need to Know
After an action-packed season, the NRL and AFL Finals are finally upon us. Here’s everything you need to know about the teams, the format, and when the games are happening.
Who’s Left in the NRL?
The top eight teams in the NRL are:
- Penrith Panthers
- Brisbane Broncos
- NZ Warriors
- Melbourne Storm
- Newcastle Knights
- Cronulla Sharks
- Sydney Roosters
- Canberra Raiders
Last season’s Grand Final runners up, the Parramatta Eels, narrowly missed out, as did the South Sydney Rabbitohs and North Queensland Cowboys.
Who’s Left in the AFL?
The top eight teams in the AFL are:
- Collingwood Magpies
- Brisbane Lions
- Port Adelaide Power
- Melbourne Demons
- Carlton
- St Kilda
- GWS Giants
- Sydney Swans
Incredibly, last year’s premiers, the Geelong Cats, finished 12th on the ladder, while 2021’s runner up, the Western Bulldogs, also missed out by just two points.
How the Finals Work in the NRL
The NRL Finals are a knockout tournament. The top four teams receive a double chance, meaning they get two chances to make the Grand Final. The bottom four teams must win two games to reach the Grand Final.
The Finals are played over four weeks, with the Grand Final being held on October 1st at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
How the Finals Work in the AFL
The AFL Finals are also a knockout tournament. The top four teams receive a double chance, meaning they get two chances to make the Grand Final. The bottom four teams must win three games to reach the Grand Final.
The Finals are played over four weeks, with the Grand Final being held on September 30th at the MCG in Melbourne.
When are the Finals Happening?
NRL Finals Week 1
- Fri 8th Sep: 1st vs 4th
- Sat 9th Sep: 5th vs 8th
- Sat 9th Sep: 2nd vs 3rd
- Sun 10th Sep: 6th vs 7th
NRL Finals Week 2
- Fri 15th Sep: TBA vs TBA
- Sat 16th Sep: TBA vs TBA
NRL Preliminary Finals
- Fri 22nd Sep: TBA vs TBA
- Sat 23rd Sep: TBA vs TBA
NRL Grand Final
- Sun 1st Oct: TBA vs TBA at Accor Stadium, Sydney
AFL Qualifying and Elimination Finals
- Thu 7th Sep: Collingwood vs Melbourne, 7:20pm @ MCG
- Fri 8th Sep: Carlton vs Sydney, 7:50pm @ MCG
- Sat 9th Sep 9: St Kilda vs GWS, 3:20pm @ MCG
- Sat 9th Sep 9:Brisbane vs Port Adelaide, 7:25pm @ Gabba
AFL Semi Finals
- Fri 15th Sep: TBC vs TBC
- Sat 16th Sep: TBC vs TBC
AFL Preliminary Finals
- Fri 22nd Sep: TBC vs TBC
- Sat 23rd Sep: TBC vs TBC
AFL Grand Final
- Sat 30th Sep: TBC v TBC, 2:30pm @ MCG
So there you have it, everything you need to know about the NRL and AFL Finals. Grab a packet of CC’s Cornados Cheese & Bacon chips and get ready for some exciting footy action!
