The AFL released the round 26 fixture. It sets the first top-10 wildcard postseason matches. The top six ladder spots were settled on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Hawthorn has one match remaining. It determines if they finish third or fourth. Their place on the live ladder hinges on the outcome.
Games in this stage include Sydney Swans against North Melbourne, Adelaide Crows versus GWS Giants, and Melbourne taking on Western Bulldogs. The ladder updates as scores arrive. The Hawks' final spot ties to their ultimate performance.