The AFL announced the round 26 schedule. It establishes the first top-10 wildcard postseason matches. The top six ladder places were locked on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Hawthorn has one match to play. It decides if they finish third or fourth. Their standing on the live ladder hinges on the outcome.
Games this round include Sydney Swans against North Melbourne, Adelaide Crows versus GWS Giants, and Melbourne taking on Western Bulldogs. The ladder adjusts as scores are recorded. The Hawks' final spot ties to their ultimate performance.