Sydney and Fremantle meet for AFL 2026 Grand Final place; free 7Plus stream available

Sydney enters the preliminary final after a week off, having beaten Brisbane in its Qualifying Final. The Swans are seeking a place in the Grand Final for the second time in three years. TechRadar reported that the win over Brisbane was impressive because Sydney was missing several players through injury or suspension. Captain Callum Mills became the latest player in the treatment room when he ruptured his ACL against the Lions. His absence could open the door for Justin McInerney, who has returned to training after his own time on the sidelines. Sydney has reached the Grand Final four times since 2014 but lost on each occasion.

Fremantle, the minor premiers, kept alive its hope of a first premiership by beating Geelong in a Semi-Final at Optus Stadium. The Dockers will travel from the west coast to the east coast aiming to repeat their 38-point win over the Swans in July, when they kicked nine goals in the final quarter. Fremantle could be strengthened by the return of key defender Brennan Cox, while Brandon Walker is also pushing for a place in the side after an ankle injury.

In Australia, the match will be shown on free-to-air Channel 7 in all regions and streamed live on 7Plus. New users can register for a free 7Plus account, and an Australian postcode, such as 2025, is required to access Channel 7's streaming service. Viewers outside Australia can use a VPN to access 7Plus, according to TechRadar, which recommends NordVPN and notes that the service is currently offered at up to 75% off.

For viewers in the United States, the match will be broadcast on FS2. Those without cable can access FS2 through Fubo, YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, each of which offers a free trial to new users. In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports will show the match. Viewers can add TNT Sports to a Sky, Virgin Media or EE TV package, or choose an HBO Max plan that includes TNT Sports; prices start at £25.99 a month with a one-year commitment. In Canada, TSN will carry the match, while the TSN Plus streaming service costs CA$24.99 a month for access to regular TSN coverage. Most broadcasters also offer mobile apps or browser-based streaming, including a dedicated 7Plus app.

TechRadar notes that a VPN can make a device appear to be in the user's home country, allowing access to the usual streaming service while abroad. It says NordVPN is its top-rated VPN and is available with up to 75% off and three extra months free. The winner of the preliminary final will meet Hawthorn or Brisbane in the AFL 2026 Grand Final at the MCG on Saturday, September 26.