The AFL announced the round 26 schedule. It arranges the first top-10 wildcard playoff contests. The top six ladder places were locked 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 adjusts as scores arrive. The Hawks' final placement is linked to their last result.