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AFL Finals 2025 Preview - Dates, Format & Big Calls That Could Shake September

ryan-tucker
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Last updated: 29 Aug 2025
Ryan Tucker 29 Aug 2025
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  • AFL Finals 2025 begin September 4th, ending with Grand Final on September 27th at MCG.
  • Top 4 teams get a double chance; 5th to 8th face immediate elimination.
  • Adelaide Crows predicted as potential winners; GWS seen as underdog threat.


AFL Finals 2025 - The Run to September

  • AFL Finals 2025 - The Run to September
  • When Do the AFL Finals Start?
  • Finals Format Made Simple
  • Bold Finals Predictions
  • Crows Can Win the Flag
  • Collingwood Could Crash
  • Goal-Kicking Smokies
  • GWS the Danger Side
  • Beyond 2025 - Who’s Bouncing Back?
  • The Big Day
  • Final Word

The home-and-away season is done, and now it’s time for the real stuff - the AFL Finals. Eight teams left, one ultimate winner, and a month of footy chaos that always delivers.

But before you start locking in your tips, here’s a refresher on when it all kicks off, how the finals system actually works, and the storylines no one else seems brave enough to talk about.

When Do the AFL Finals Start?


The countdown is on. The 2025 AFL Finals begin Thursday, September 4th, with the series rolling through until the Grand Final on Saturday, September 27th at the MCG.

Finals Format Made Simple


  • Top 4 sides get the double chance - they can lose once and still bounce back.
  • 5th to 8th? It’s sudden death from day one.
  • By Week 3 we’re down to the prelims, and the winners book a ticket to the big dance.

It’s brutal, it’s brilliant, and it means every ladder spot really does matter.

Bold Finals Predictions


Now for the fun part. Forget the safe takes - these are the ones worth watching:

Crows Can Win the Flag


Adelaide’s mix of inside grunt and outside polish has them primed to shock everyone. Don’t be surprised if they’re still standing on the last Saturday in September.

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Collingwood Could Crash


The Pies have stumbled badly into finals and against fellow contenders they look wobbly. Straight sets? Don’t rule it out.

Goal-Kicking Smokies


Yeah, you’ll hear plenty about Cameron - but names like Riley Thilthorpe and Toby Greene could be the ones who really shape the scoreboards this finals series.

GWS the Danger Side


The Giants are the team no one wants to face. Their attacking numbers are red hot, and if there’s a team outside the top four ready to cause chaos, it’s them.

Beyond 2025 - Who’s Bouncing Back?


Every season has its sliders and risers. Sydney were wrecked by injuries in 2025 but are too talented to stay down. Essendon’s young list is building fast and could be the next big mover.

The Big Day


Tradition still rules. The AFL Grand Final 2025 will be played at 2:30pm on Saturday, September 27th at the MCG. The twilight debate isn’t going away though and it’s one of those topics that might finally flip in the near future.

Final Word


This year’s finals are shaping up to be wild. Adelaide could stun the comp, Collingwood are wobbling, and GWS might just crash the party. Whatever happens, we’ll be tracking it all the way here at aussiebets.com.au.

👉 Watch the full finals preview video above and stick with us for every game breakdown, betting insight and bold prediction through September.

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