From code red to unstoppable: How your AFL team is placed in the chase for the top 10

July 20, 2026 — 3:30pm

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With five rounds remaining in the 2026 AFL home-and-away season, the sprint to September is officially on.

Fremantle appear a lock for top spot, but from there it’s anyone’s guess.

Sydney’s hold on second place is under siege from Hawthorn, Collingwood are pressing, while five would-be wildcard aspirants have taken a hit – although all remain in the race.

The introduction of the wildcard round – extending the number of clubs who can make finals from eight to 10 – has ensured more teams remain in the race at this point of the campaign. We take a look at what awaits for your team.

What we say: The locked-and-loaded Dockers are an unstoppable force, the Power the latest to falter. They now sit three games clear on top of the ladder, and are all but certain to remain there despite what, on paper at least, is a challenging run home. The Eagles have improved, while the Bulldogs, Melbourne and Crows are flag contenders.

Best-case finish: First. Worst-case finish: First.

What we say: We asked last week if the Swans’ indifferent form was something to ponder. The answer to that is yes. There was the loss to the Brisbane Lions, the fade-out against Fremantle, and now their first home defeat of the season, against Adelaide. That’s three defeats to premiership contenders. Isaac Heeney has slipped from being the No.1-ranked player in the league to 66th since round 14. The Giants await this week. Are the Swans tumbling from a top-two position? We’ll see.

Best-case finish: Second. Worst-case finish: Fifth.

What we say: Completed another clinical win, this time over Richmond, and are pressing for second spot on the ladder with the Swans faltering. Nick Watson continues to deliver wizardry acts, but co-captain James Sicily needs to harness his emotions, for he would not want to blow a fuse when a key game is on the line. The Hawks surely account for Essendon this week (please, no references to 1983-85), but the........

© Brisbane Times