The divisive and controversial AFL wild card round is a reality, with the league confirming it will give teams ranked ninth and 10th an opportunity to win the premiership from next season.

All clubs have been told the league will implement what is essentially an extra week of finals, starting in 2026.

The AFL confirmed it would implement the change in the coming days when it would also release the fixture for next season.

The wildcard round, an idea taken from the NBA, will pit the team that finishes seventh on the ladder in the home-and-away season against 10th.

The other wildcard game will be the eighth team against the ninth.

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