
AFL Finals 2026: Key Strategies for Remaining Teams
With the arrival of September, optimism is high among the remaining teams in the AFL Finals. Fremantle is seen as a strong contender for the championship, while Brisbane's experience positions them favorably. Hawthorn and Geelong are also in the mix as challengers.
Hawthorn has not secured a victory against a top six team since Round 11, struggling to gain possession of the ball compared to their competitors. Despite concerns about their midfield, players like Will Day, Jai Newcombe, and Josh Ward have shown promise this season.
However, Hawthorn's defensive capabilities are under scrutiny, particularly when they fail to win the ball, which has led to vulnerabilities in their backline. This issue has been highlighted in recent losses to Fremantle and Brisbane.
