THE current, simplified final eight system was introduced in 2000.
In the first week all eight teams play. The games are:
- 1st v 4th
- 2nd v 3rd
- 5th v 8th
- 6th v 7th
The top four sides on the ladder after the home and away season are guaranteed a double chance after the first week of the finals, while sides finishing 5th to 8th need to win every game to win the Premiership.
The winners of the games 1st v 4th, and 2nd v 3rd proceed straight to the preliminary final in week 3.
The losers of those games receive the double chance and play in the semi-finals in week 2.
The games 5th v 8th and 6th v 7th will be cut-throat qualifying finals with the losers being eliminated and the winners proceeding to the semi-finals.
The remaining three weeks of the finals are cut-throat.
The winners of the semi-final in week 2 proceed to the preliminary final, while the losers are eliminated.
There are two preliminary finals played with the winners both proceeding to the AFL Grand Final.
The losers are eliminated.
