AFL Finals Explained: Grasping the September Structure

As the Australian Football League season climaxes, the AFL Finals emerge as a thrilling event in Australian sports. While it may not share the global spotlight like other sports, AFL has its unique allure, especially during the September finals.

To help you with the kinks, this article will guide you through the complexities of the AFL Finals. We'll focus on the infamous final eight system, where to bet, and how the whole thing works. 

Whether you're a long-time follower or new to the sport, grasping this format is essential to fully enjoy the intense rivalry and passion of the AFL Finals. Let's dive into understanding the AFL's September showdown.

A Brief Overview of the AFL Finals Series

The Australian Football League (AFL) has roots stretching back to the 1890s. Currently, it's the premier competition in Australian rules football. 

This league has evolved a lot over the decades and ends each year with the highly anticipated September finals. This tournament is not just any playoff. Rather, it's a showcase of the best of Aussie rules football, where the top eight teams battle for the ultimate glory.

In September, the air is thick with excitement as the finals approach. Commercially known as the Toyota AFL Finals Series, the event's format is the 'final eight systems'. Don't worry, we have a whole section explaining what it is and how it works. 

AFL Final Eight System Explained

As you enter the AFL Finals Series for betting or entertainment purposes, you'll encounter the Final Eight System that adds a unique twist to September's football frenzy. 

All in all, this isn't a simple win-or-go-home scenario. Instead, the top eight teams from the regular season face off in a series of matches where initial setbacks don't spell immediate defeat.

For starters, the top four teams get a crucial advantage. It's the chance to lose once and remain in the league. 

The first week sees 1st vs 4th and 2nd vs 3rd in qualifying finals, with winners moving directly to the preliminary finals. 

Meanwhile, 5th to 8th place teams face off in elimination finals, where losing means ending their season. This structure keeps suspense alive, as even top teams need to stay sharp to avoid the longer, tougher road to the Grand Final. 

Where to Get the Best Websites to Bet on AFL?

Betting in sports is more common than ever before. It's also one of the best ways avid sports fans can engage with their favourite teams or players. The same goes for AFL Finals. It's one of the most high-voltage events in Australia's sports scene that draws much attention. 

The question is, where do you find reliable betting sites for this? You're lucky because we highlight the top AFL betting sites after careful evaluation. 

If you're wondering how the evaluation looks, here is a glimpse. 

• The license: The first step is validating the license. If the AFL betting site doesn't have a license, we don't want anything to do with it.
• Selection of markets: As you're investing your time and money in this entertainment channel, it's only fair that you have more than enough options to bet on. That's where the variety in markets comes in.
• Payment methods: To pay for the best, you need reliable online payment methods. Australia's best AFL betting sites offer local and international methods, including cryptocurrencies!
• Other sports: Sure, betting on AFL grand finals is very enjoyable. But it's just a September thing. What do you do for the rest of the year? That's where the other available sports for betting come into play.

How Many Wins Do You Need to Make the AFL Finals?

Reaching the AFL Finals fixture is about the number of wins and where a team ranks at the end of the regular season. The key is to be among the top eight teams on the ladder. This ranking is determined by a combination of wins, losses, and points (4 points for a win, 2 for a draw, and none for a loss).

Generally, the magic number tends to be around 12 wins out of 22 games, which often suffices to secure a spot in the top eight. 

However, this is not a hard rule. Some seasons have seen teams with fewer wins make the finals, especially if the competition is tight and other teams have similar records. 

What's crucial is a team's overall performance throughout the season, including their points difference. Essentially, it can act as a tiebreaker in close situations!

So, while aiming for at least 12 wins is a good strategy, teams must also focus on maintaining a strong points difference and staying competitive throughout the season.

What Happens if There's a Draw in AFL Finals?

If a draw occurs in an AFL finals match, the game goes into extra time to determine a winner. The extra time consists of two five-minute halves with a short break in between. 

The team's switch ends after the first half of extra time. If the scores are still level after these additional periods, the process repeats until a winner emerges. The goal is to ensure that each final match has a decisive outcome. 

Closing Thoughts

As you step into AFL Finals results betting, you join a legion of fans who find this sport irresistible. The tournament celebrates the skill and passion that grips Australia every September. 

Betting on these matches adds another layer of excitement to the viewing experience. Whether you're a seasoned punter or new to the game, the unpredictability and enthusiasm of the AFL Finals make it a captivating betting choice.