Who plays who, schedule, bracket, dates, venues, times, TV, how it works, when is the Grand Final

After a dramatic final day of the season, we finally know the eight teams who’ll fight it out for the flag in September.

But some have an easier path than others as seven rivals try to unseat reigning premiers Melbourne.

See the 2022 finals fixture and how the AFL finals system works below.

Watch every AFL final until the Grand Final Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

AFL 2022 FINALS FIXTURE – WEEK 1 (All times AEST)

Second Elimination Final: (6) Brisbane Lions v (7) Richmond

Thursday September 1, 7:20pm at the Gabba

Second Qualifying Final: (2) Melbourne v (3) Sydney Swans

Friday September 2, 7:50pm at the MCG

First Qualifying Final: (1) Geelong Cats v (4) Collingwood

Saturday September 3, 4:35pm at the MCG

First Elimination Final: (5) Fremantle v (8) Western Bulldogs

Saturday September 3, 8:10pm at Optus Stadium

AFL 2022 FINALS FIXTURE – WEEK 2 (All times AEST)

To be played September 9-10 – Details confirmed after Week 1 of finals

First Semi Final: (Geelong Cats v Collingwood loser) v (Fremantle v Western Bulldogs winner)

MCG, Day/Time TBC (likely Saturday)

Second Semi Final: (Melbourne v Sydney Swans loser) v (Brisbane Lions v Richmond winner)

MCG/SCG, Day/Time TBC (likely Friday)

AFL 2022 FINALS FIXTURE – WEEK 3 (All times AEST)

To be played September 16-17 – Details confirmed after Week 1 of finals

First Preliminary Final: (Geelong Cats v Collingwood winner) v (Melbourne/Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions/Richmond semi-final winner)

MCG, Day/Time TBC (likely Friday)

Second Preliminary Final: (Melbourne v Sydney Swans winner) v (Geelong Cats/Collingwood v Fremantle/Western Bulldogs semi-final winner)

MCG/SCG, Day/Time TBC (likely Saturday)

All finals until the Grand Final will be broadcast live and ad-break free during play on Fox Footy, while they will also be streamed live on Kayo Sports.

WHEN IS THE AFL GRAND FINAL?

The AFL finals series starts on Thursday September 1, following the pre-finals bye, which returns for 2022.

The 2022 AFL Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday September 24, returning to the MCG for the first time since 2019.

HOW THE AFL FINALS SYSTEM WORKS

The winners of the two qualifying finals advance to host the two preliminary finals, while two teams are eliminated each week until the Grand Final.

The loser of the First Qualifying Final (Geelong v Collingwood) hosts the winner of the First Elimination Final (Fremantle v Western Bulldogs) in the First Semi Final.

The loser of the Second Qualifying Final (Melbourne v Sydney) hosts the winner of the Second Elimination Final (Brisbane v Richmond) in the Second Semi Final.

The winner of the First Qualifying Final (Geelong v Collingwood) hosts the winner of the Second Semi Final (Melbourne/Sydney v Brisbane/Richmond) in the First Preliminary Final.

The winner of the Second Qualifying Final (Melbourne v Sydney) hosts the winner of the First Semi Final (Geelong Cats/Collingwood v Fremantle/Western Bulldogs) in the Second Preliminary Final.

The winners of the two Preliminary Finals face off in the 2022 AFL Grand Final.