2026 premiership race as open as ever: 25,000 fans split between four teams
Of 25,000 AFL fans who voted, only a third backed one clear favourite, a sign of uncertainty late in the season.
Brisbane leads fan predictions with more than 33 per cent, but Hawthorn and Fremantle are close behind at around 24 per cent each, and Sydney still has 18 per cent believing the Swans can win. AFL.com.au's 10 experts were equally split, giving Brisbane and Fremantle four votes each and Hawthorn two.
The 25,000 fans could not agree, with no team able to claim more than a third. The split opinions sum to one of the most open premiership races in recent memory at this stage of the finals.
The two preliminary finals this weekend will send two teams through to the Grand Final, but right now it truly could be anyone's cup.
- 25,000
- Fans polled
- 33.58 per cent
- Brisbane prediction
- 24.45 per cent
- Hawthorn prediction
- 4 each
- Expert votes for Brisbane and Fremantle
Why it mattersThis level of uncertainty late in the finals series is rare and reflects genuine unpredictability in the competition.
AustraliaAustralians are deeply split on who will win the 2026 premiership, reflecting an unusually balanced finals series.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 8 d ago
