For once, I get a playoff preview done before the playoffs start.

As always, we start with the regular-season standings:

Perth, 32-14
Sydney, 23-23
Canberra, 22-24
Melbourne, 22-24
Adelaide, 21-25
Brisbane, 18-28

The top three teams go to the playoffs.  As you can see, there was a tie for third place.  Unfortunately, Australian League rules to not allow for a play-in game, although they'd have plenty of time for one.  Instead, Canberra was awarded third place based on head-to-head victories during the regular season.

It's a two-round playoff system.  In the first round (called the "preliminary final"), the second and third place teams play each other in a best-of-three series.  This year, that means Sydney plays Canberra.  The winner then takes on the first place team, Perth, in another best-of-three series to determine the league champion.  The preliminary final will be held this weekend, and the final final will be held the following weekend.