AFL Round 17 2026

Matty and Spida are back for Round 17 of In The Pocket, and with the AFL season entering its business end, the race for finals spots is becoming more intense by the week. Fremantle continue to look like the team to beat after another commanding performance, while Hawthorn has strengthened its hold on a top-four position and Brisbane has re-emerged as a genuine contender after a statement win over Sydney. Behind them, the battle for places in the eight is tightening, with several clubs refusing to give up their September ambitions.The boys break down all the major storylines from Round 16, including Brisbane's impressive 43-point victory over the Swans, Hawthorn's strong win over GWS, and Carlton's continued resurgence as the Blues extended their winning streak with a dominant performance against West Coast. They also discuss Fremantle's relentless consistency, Collingwood's push back towards finals contention, and the implications of Port Adelaide's Showdown victory over Adelaide.As always, Spida gives his honest assessment of the teams making a charge and those beginning to run out of time. With Fremantle clear on top, Sydney still firmly in the premiership conversation, and five clubs locked on the same number of wins inside the top eight, there are plenty of contenders but just as many unanswered questions heading into the second half of the season.Looking ahead to Round 17, Matty and Spida preview the key matchups that could shape the finals race, including a huge clash between Geelong and Brisbane, Hawthorn's test against Melbourne, and whether Collingwood can keep its momentum rolling against a Gold Coast side desperate to halt its recent slide. Every result is becoming increasingly important as clubs fight for top-four positions, wildcard spots, and a place in September.To wrap things up, the boys lock in their tips for the weekend and reveal who they think is building towards a genuine finals campaign. If you're following the AFL season closely and want all the biggest talking points, ladder implications and strong opinions from around the competition, In The Pocket has everything you need heading into another huge round of footy.