2003 AFL season
{{Short description|107th season of the Australian Football League (AFL)}}
{{Use Australian English|date=December 2017}}
{{for|the 2003 season of the Arena Football League|2003 Arena Football League season}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox Australian rules football season
| competition = afl
| year = 2003
| image =
| imagesize = 200px
| caption =
| teams = 16
| premiers = Brisbane
| count = 3
| minor premiers = {{AFL|PA}}
| mpcount = 2
| pre-season cup = {{AFL Ade}}
| pscount = 1
| matches = 185
| attendance = 6351655
| highattend = 79,451 (Grand Final, {{AFL BL}} vs. {{AFL Col}})
| top goal scorer = Matthew Lloyd ({{AFL Ess}})
| brownlow medal = Nathan Buckley ({{AFL Col}})
Adam Goodes ({{AFL Syd}})
Mark Ricciuto ({{AFL Ade}})
| prevseason = 2002
| nextseason = 2004
}}
The 2003 AFL season was the 107th season of the Australian Football League (AFL), the highest level of senior Australian rules football competition in Australia, which was known as the Victorian Football League until 1989. The season featured sixteen clubs, ran from 28 March until 27 September, and comprised a 22-game home-and-away season followed by a finals series featuring the top eight clubs.
The premiership was won by the Brisbane Lions for the third time and third time consecutively, after it defeated {{AFL Col}} by 50 points in the AFL Grand Final.
AFL Draft
See 2003 AFL Draft.
Wizard Home Loans Cup
{{main|2003 Wizard Home Loans Cup}}
The 2003 Wizard Home Loans Cup saw {{AFL Ade}} defeat {{AFL Col}} 15.14 (104) to 10.13 (73) in the final.
Premiership season
=Round 1=
{{anchor|Round 1 (season launch)}}
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Col}}
| 13.16 (94)
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 8.18 (66)
| MCG
| 61,058
| Friday, 28 March
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL|WC}}
| 17.20 (122)
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 11.8 (74)
| 35,083
| Saturday, 29 March
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 14.12 (96)
| {{AFL StK}}
| 10.10 (70)
| MCG
| 28,361
| Saturday, 29 March
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL BL}}
| 14.20 (104)
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 8.13 (61)
| 36,197
| Saturday, 29 March
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 22.14 (146)
| {{AFL Car}}
| 10.12 (72)
| 30,803
| Saturday, 29 March
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 22.13 (145)
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 13.11 (89)
| 45,436
| Sunday, 30 March
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 16.10 (106)
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 15.10 (100)
| MCG
| 41,888
| Sunday, 30 March
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WB}}
| 19.16 (130)
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 13.13 (91)
| 27,931
| Sunday, 30 March
{{s-end}}
=Round 2=
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Car}}
| 13.13 (91)
| {{AFL Col}}
| 16.11 (107)
| MCG
| 51,894
| Friday, 4 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 17.10 (112)
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 10.15 (75)
| MCG
| 43,448
| Saturday, 5 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL StK}}
| 15.9 (99)
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 13.13 (91)
| 19,131
| Saturday, 5 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 12.14 (86)
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 8.12 (60)
| 24,887
| Saturday, 5 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 10.16 (76)
| {{AFL BL}}
| 13.8 (86)
| 27,876
| Saturday, 5 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 13.13 (91)
| {{AFL WC}}
| 14.5 (89)
| 16,217
| Sunday, 6 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 9.17 (71)
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 13.16 (94)
| 22,588
| Sunday, 6 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 16.15 (111)
| {{AFL WB}}
| 13.11 (89)
| 28,847
| Sunday, 6 April
{{s-end}}
=Round 3=
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 13.16 (94)
| {{AFL Car}}
| 15.15 (105)
| MCG
| 44,268
| Friday, 11 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WC}}
| 21.18 (144)
| {{AFL StK}}
| 11.8 (74)
| 32,009
| Saturday, 12 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Col}}
| 18.8 (116)
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 10.9 (69)
| MCG
| 43,979
| Saturday, 12 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 16.13 (109)
| {{AFL BL}}
| 16.13 (109)
| 24,359
| Saturday, 12 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 19.14 (128)
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 11.5 (71)
| 24,902
| Saturday, 12 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 11.10 (76)
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 15.13 (103)
| SCG
| 23,651
| Sunday, 13 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 20.7 (127)
| {{AFL WB}}
| 14.11 (95)
| 20,790
| Sunday, 13 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 14.10 (94)
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 6.10 (46)
| MCG
| 19,677
| Sunday, 13 April
{{s-end}}
=Round 4=
{{anchor|Round 4 (Easter)}}
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL BL}}
| 14.11 (95)
| {{AFL Col}}
| 11.15 (81)
| 36,803
| Thursday, 17 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 13.12 (90)
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 6.8 (44)
| 23,001
| Saturday, 19 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 17.8 (110)
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 10.8 (68)
| MCG
| 26,359
| Saturday, 19 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WB}}
| 16.14 (110)
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 20.9 (129)
| 35,238
| Saturday, 19 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 15.16 (106)
| {{AFL WC}}
| 10.13 (73)
| 43,525
| Sunday, 20 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 25.17 (167)
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 19.8 (122)
| 25,435
| Sunday, 20 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Car}}
| 12.12 (84)
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 17.12 (114)
| 22,507
| Sunday, 20 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL StK}}
| 11.15 (81)
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 17.5 (107)
| 44,382
| Monday, 21 April
{{s-end}}
=Round 5=
{{anchor|Round 5 (ANZAC Day)}}
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 23.9 (147)
| {{AFL Col}}
| 12.9 (81)
| MCG
| 62,589
| Friday, 25 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 17.7 (109)
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 13.7 (85)
| SCG
| 24,286
| Friday, 25 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 14.11 (95)
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 18.7 (115)
| MCG
| 45,140
| Saturday, 26 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 9.12 (66)
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 12.6 (78)
| 51,140
| Saturday, 26 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 16.17 (113)
| {{AFL Car}}
| 18.14 (122)
| 38,094
| Saturday, 26 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL BL}}
| 15.16 (106)
| {{AFL WB}}
| 12.7 (79)
| 24,341
| Sunday, 27 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 10.13 (73)
| {{AFL WC}}
| 16.12 (108)
| 41,654
| Sunday, 27 April
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL StK}}
| 18.11 (119)
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 11.8 (74)
| 27,240
| Sunday, 27 April
{{s-end}}
=Round 6=
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 9.16 (70)
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 19.10 (124)
| 38,469
| Friday, 2 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Car}}
| 9.9 (63)
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 11.8 (74)
| 27,725
| Saturday, 3 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 14.10 (94)
| {{AFL WC}}
| 19.13 (127)
| MCG
| 17,534
| Saturday, 3 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Col}}
| 13.11 (89)
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 17.7 (109)
| 41,874
| Saturday, 3 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 12.12 (84)
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 8.9 (57)
| 29,608
| Saturday, 3 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 12.6 (78)
| {{AFL BL}}
| 13.14 (92)
| 21,246
| Sunday, 4 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 20.11 (131)
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 15.10 (100)
| 28,492
| Sunday, 4 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WB}}
| 12.13 (85)
| {{AFL StK}}
| 15.10 (100)
| 27,278
| Sunday, 4 May
{{s-end}}
=Round 7=
{{anchor|Round 7 (Mother's Day)}}
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 13.11 (89)
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 18.9 (117)
| 32,435
| Friday, 9 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WC}}
| 17.11 (113)
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 14.13 (97)
| 36,268
| Saturday, 10 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 11.18 (84)
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 5.12 (42)
| MCG
| 52,196
| Saturday, 10 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 16.13 (109)
| {{AFL Col}}
| 18.6 (114)
| 44,706
| Saturday, 10 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL StK}}
| 16.17 (113)
| {{AFL Car}}
| 15.11 (101)
| 45,122
| Saturday, 10 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 15.8 (98)
| {{AFL BL}}
| 11.13 (79)
| SCG
| 23,276
| Sunday, 11 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 16.15 (111)
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 12.12 (84)
| MCG
| 12,410
| Sunday, 11 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WB}}
| 10.12 (72)
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 23.17 (155)
| 12,542
| Sunday, 11 May
{{s-end}}
=Round 8=
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 8.5 (53)
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 15.16 (106)
| MCG
| 48,006
| Friday, 16 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Col}}
| 15.13 (103)
| {{AFL WC}}
| 18.11 (119)
| 39,912
| Saturday, 17 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 15.13 (103)
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 7.7 (49)
| 24,702
| Saturday, 17 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 17.10 (112)
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 16.7 (103)
| MCG
| 38,063
| Saturday, 17 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL BL}}
| 16.11 (107)
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 12.17 (89)
| 34,469
| Saturday, 17 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 17.10 (112)
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 11.7 (73)
| SCG
| 22,483
| Sunday, 18 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 18.15 (123)
| {{AFL StK}}
| 11.16 (82)
| 26,723
| Sunday, 18 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Car}}
| 15.17 (107)
| {{AFL WB}}
| 14.16 (100)
| 20,602
| Sunday, 18 May
{{s-end}}
=Round 9=
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 14.12 (96)
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 23.8 (146)
| 35,390
| Friday, 23 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Car}}
| 11.10 (76)
| {{AFL BL}}
| 23.15 (153)
| 24,906
| Saturday, 24 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 10.11 (71)
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 16.5 (101)
| MCG
| 17,009
| Saturday, 24 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WC}}
| 18.16 (124)
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 11.6 (72)
| 40,313
| Saturday, 24 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Col}}
| 22.17 (149)
| {{AFL StK}}
| 12.12 (84)
| 46,096
| Saturday, 24 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 12.12 (84)
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 8.11 (59)
| 13,832
| Sunday, 25 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 16.13 (109)
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 11.9 (75)
| 28,001
| Sunday, 25 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 16.13 (109)
| {{AFL WB}}
| 14.9 (93)
| 44,342
| Sunday, 25 May
{{s-end}}
=Round 10=
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 14.14 (98)
| {{AFL Col}}
| 10.13 (73)
| 43,321
| Friday, 30 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 19.13 (127)
| {{AFL Car}}
| 15.9 (99)
| 33,250
| Saturday, 31 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WB}}
| 22.13 (145)
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 24.12 (156)
| 24,682
| Saturday, 31 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 10.12 (72)
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 16.8 (104)
| MCG
| 34,569
| Saturday, 31 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 9.9 (63)
| {{AFL BL}}
| 18.15 (123)
| 29,634
| Saturday, 31 May
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 8.11 (59)
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 11.10 (76)
| 19,608
| Sunday, 1 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 19.14 (128)
| {{AFL WC}}
| 16.10 (106)
| 32,715
| Sunday, 1 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL StK}}
| 17.16 (118)
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 14.6 (90)
| MCG
| 25,745
| Sunday, 1 June
{{s-end}}
=Round 11=
{{anchor|Round 11 (Queen's Birthday)}}
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 13.14 (92)
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 13.11 (89)
| 43,200
| Friday, 6 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 11.9 (75)
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 10.10 (70)
| MCG
| 25,841
| Saturday, 7 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL StK}}
| 13.12 (90)
| {{AFL BL}}
| 13.7 (85)
| 30,313
| Saturday, 7 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 21.7 (133)
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 12.7 (79)
| 45,917
| Saturday, 7 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 16.16 (112)
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 9.9 (63)
| 30,745
| Sunday, 8 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WC}}
| 19.10 (124)
| {{AFL WB}}
| 19.10 (124)
| 38,540
| Sunday, 8 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 17.13 (115)
| {{AFL Car}}
| 12.3 (75)
| 43,587
| Sunday, 8 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 10.17 (77)
| {{AFL Col}}
| 20.13 (133)
| MCG
| 60,010
| Monday, 9 June
{{s-end}}
- The Kangaroos-Tigers game was especially notable as the comeback of Kangaroos player Jason McCartney from life-threatening burns suffered in the 2002 Bali bombings. McCartney retired immediately after the match.
=Round 12=
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 13.10 (88)
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 14.12 (96)
| 45,331
| Friday, 13 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL StK}}
| 7.15 (57)
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 15.9 (99)
| 17,763
| Saturday, 14 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 12.14 (86)
| {{AFL Car}}
| 14.9 (93)
| MCG
| 36,557
| Saturday, 14 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 13.10 (88)
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 10.12 (72)
| 30,127
| Saturday, 14 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WB}}
| 9.9 (63)
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 19.13 (127)
| SCG
| 21,742
| Saturday, 14 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL BL}}
| 13.13 (91)
| {{AFL WC}}
| 24.16 (160)
| 31,185
| Sunday, 15 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 21.12 (138)
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 10.5 (65)
| 40,178
| Sunday, 15 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Col}}
| 6.15 (51)
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 12.12 (84)
| MCG
| 47,365
| Sunday, 15 June
{{s-end}}
=Round 13=
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 20.9 (129)
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 15.3 (93)
| 48,374
| Friday, 27 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 21.10 (136)
| {{AFL StK}}
| 14.10 (94)
| MCG
| 29,339
| Saturday, 28 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 14.15 (99)
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 8.12 (60)
| 24,272
| Saturday, 28 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WB}}
| 12.13 (85)
| {{AFL Col}}
| 18.20 (128)
| 42,952
| Saturday, 28 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL BL}}
| 15.14 (104)
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 9.7 (61)
| 32,623
| Saturday, 28 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 15.8 (98)
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 10.8 (68)
| 17,212
| Sunday, 29 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WC}}
| 11.10 (76)
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 10.7 (67)
| 36,641
| Sunday, 29 June
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Car}}
| 7.8 (50)
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 13.14 (92)
| 19,242
| Sunday, 29 June
{{s-end}}
=Round 14=
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL StK}}
| 7.9 (51)
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 17.17 (119)
| 49,148
| Friday, 4 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 10.15 (75)
| {{AFL BL}}
| 10.12 (72)
| 28,450
| Saturday, 5 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 23.16 (154)
| {{AFL WB}}
| 12.11 (83)
| MCG
| 31,390
| Saturday, 5 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 7.8 (50)
| {{AFL Col}}
| 19.12 (126)
| 53,312
| Saturday, 5 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 10.12 (72)
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 6.8 (44)
| 44,809
| Saturday, 5 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 13.14 (92)
| {{AFL WC}}
| 12.12 (84)
| SCG
| 31,121
| Sunday, 6 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Car}}
| 14.6 (90)
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 14.13 (97)
| 24,289
| Sunday, 6 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 10.10 (70)
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 10.9 (69)
| 19,770
| Sunday, 6 July
{{s-end}}
=Round 15=
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 13.12 (90)
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 7.7 (49)
| 41,758
| Friday, 11 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Col}}
| 15.9 (99)
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 7.16 (58)
| MCG
| 40,964
| Saturday, 12 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 15.7 (97)
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 15.11 (101)
| 38,546
| Saturday, 12 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WC}}
| 28.19 (187)
| {{AFL Car}}
| 10.11 (71)
| 39,129
| Saturday, 12 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 15.22 (112)
| {{AFL StK}}
| 9.7 (61)
| SCG
| 27,550
| Saturday, 12 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL BL}}
| 14.9 (93)
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 11.15 (81)
| 29,684
| Sunday, 13 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 15.11 (101)
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 14.10 (94)
| MCG
| 24,618
| Sunday, 13 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WB}}
| 14.9 (93)
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 15.18 (108)
| 14,784
| Sunday, 13 July
{{s-end}}
=Round 16=
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 9.8 (62)
| {{AFL Col}}
| 20.11 (131)
| MCG
| 54,655
| Friday, 18 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Car}}
| 12.12 (84)
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 18.7 (115)
| 21,463
| Saturday, 19 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 17.11 (113)
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 15.16 (106)
| MCG
| 32,029
| Saturday, 19 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 14.10 (94)
| {{AFL BL}}
| 12.14 (86)
| 47,744
| Saturday, 19 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 17.12 (114)
| {{AFL WC}}
| 7.8 (50)
| 37,624
| Saturday, 19 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 11.15 (81)
| {{AFL WB}}
| 15.9 (99)
| 22,067
| Sunday, 20 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 13.13 (91)
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 13.12 (90)
| 31,225
| Sunday, 20 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL StK}}
| 21.6 (132)
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 19.13 (127)
| 25,381
| Sunday, 20 July
{{s-end}}
=Round 17=
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WC}}
| 14.14 (98)
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 5.12 (42)
| 40,127
| Friday, 25 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 16.8 (104)
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 12.14 (86)
| 10,253
| Saturday, 26 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 10.11 (71)
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 13.10 (88)
| MCG
| 33,368
| Saturday, 26 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WB}}
| 14.11 (95)
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 24.11 (155)
| 25,204
| Saturday, 26 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL BL}}
| 15.13 (103)
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 15.14 (104)
| 32,043
| Saturday, 26 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 17.9 (111)
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 14.13 (97)
| SCG
| 30,228
| Sunday, 27 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 22.11 (143)
| {{AFL StK}}
| 13.8 (86)
| 44,667
| Sunday, 27 July
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Col}}
| 20.15 (135)
| {{AFL Car}}
| 8.14 (62)
| MCG
| 54,500
| Sunday, 27 July
{{s-end}}
=Round 18=
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WB}}
| 14.17 (101)
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 12.8 (80)
| 20,714
| Friday, 1 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 15.14 (104)
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 11.15 (81)
| 31,725
| Saturday, 2 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Car}}
| 7.14 (56)
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 13.12 (90)
| MCG
| 40,697
| Saturday, 2 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 10.13 (73)
| {{AFL Col}}
| 14.13 (97)
| 45,887
| Saturday, 2 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL BL}}
| 20.17 (137)
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 11.17 (83)
| 28,044
| Saturday, 2 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 14.13 (97)
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 14.9 (93)
| 46,945
| Sunday, 3 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 11.14 (80)
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 12.12 (84)
| MCG
| 21,415
| Sunday, 3 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL StK}}
| 19.14 (128)
| {{AFL WC}}
| 9.13 (67)
| 21,531
| Sunday, 3 August
{{s-end}}
=Round 19=
{{anchor|Round 19 (Heritage Round)}}
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 6.9 (45)
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 11.18 (84)
| MCG
| 22,508
| Friday, 8 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WC}}
| 10.7 (67)
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 13.13 (91)
| 39,681
| Saturday, 9 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Col}}
| 8.14 (62)
| {{AFL BL}}
| 15.11 (101)
| MCG
| 61,868
| Saturday, 9 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 7.8 (50)
| {{AFL StK}}
| 20.10 (130)
| 41,514
| Saturday, 9 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 14.9 (93)
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 17.8 (110)
| SCG
| 33,473
| Saturday, 9 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 18.17 (125)
| {{AFL Car}}
| 12.9 (81)
| 31,083
| Sunday, 10 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 22.15 (147)
| {{AFL WB}}
| 12.8 (80)
| 36,138
| Sunday, 10 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 15.8 (98)
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 15.9 (99)
| MCG
| 18,486
| Sunday, 10 August
{{s-end}}
Mathew Lloyd would kick 11 goals to surpass Simon Madden as the Essendon Football Club's greatest ever goal scorer.
=Round 20=
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Col}}
| 15.18 (108)
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 11.5 (71)
| 45,367
| Friday, 15 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Car}}
| 11.9 (75)
| {{AFL StK}}
| 26.10 (166)
| 22,361
| Saturday, 16 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 9.9 (63)
| {{AFL WC}}
| 9.9 (63)
| 19,202
| Saturday, 16 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 14.12 (96)
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 16.14 (110)
| 29,234
| Saturday, 16 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 17.10 (112)
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 15.8 (98)
| 28,032
| Saturday, 16 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL BL}}
| 10.16 (76)
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 14.6 (90)
| 32,988
| Sunday, 17 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 18.25 (133)
| {{AFL WB}}
| 12.5 (77)
| 35,518
| Sunday, 17 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 13.14 (92)
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 7.11 (53)
| MCG
| 40,846
| Sunday, 17 August
{{s-end}}
=Round 21=
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 20.18 (138)
| {{AFL Car}}
| 10.4 (64)
| MCG
| 30,406
| Friday, 22 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 10.4 (64)
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 9.20 (74)
| 42,259
| Saturday, 23 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 20.13 (133)
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 11.7 (73)
| 42,256
| Saturday, 23 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL BL}}
| 19.9 (123)
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 13.8 (86)
| 30,515
| Saturday, 23 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 12.9 (81)
| {{AFL Col}}
| 14.15 (99)
| 72,393
| Saturday, 23 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL StK}}
| 13.17 (95)
| {{AFL WB}}
| 3.12 (30)
| 15,637
| Sunday, 24 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WC}}
| 21.17 (143)
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 14.7 (91)
| 38,029
| Sunday, 24 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 16.8 (104)
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 18.16 (124)
| 15,920
| Sunday, 24 August
{{s-end}}
The {{AFL Syd}} vs. {{AFL Col}} game is notable as it is the highest attended Australian rules football match ever played outside of Victoria.
=Round 22=
{{s-start}}
|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF"
| Home team
| Score
| Away team
| Score
| Venue
| Attendance
| Date
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Col}}
| 12.11 (83)
| {{AFL Ess}}
| 9.13 (67)
| MCG
| 68,381
| Friday, 29 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Gee}}
| 12.12 (84)
| {{AFL StK}}
| 9.11 (65)
| 20,728
| Saturday, 30 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Mel}}
| 9.6 (60)
| {{AFL Syd}}
| 14.10 (94)
| MCG
| 22,969
| Saturday, 30 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WC}}
| 11.16 (82)
| {{AFL Fre}}
| 14.12 (96)
| 43,027
| Saturday, 30 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL WB}}
| 13.8 (86)
| {{AFL BL}}
| 26.14 (170)
| 22,361
| Saturday, 30 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL|PA}}
| 14.10 (94)
| {{AFL Ade}}
| 12.6 (78)
| 48,131
| Sunday, 31 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Car}}
| 9.9 (63)
| {{AFL Kan}}
| 28.19 (187)
| 26,138
| Sunday, 31 August
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| {{AFL Ric}}
| 11.8 (74)
| {{AFL Haw}}
| 11.12 (78)
| MCG
| 31,389
| Sunday, 31 August
{{s-end}}
Ladder
|title=2003 AFL ladder
|section=Ladder
|loss_before_draw=true|for_against_style=points|use_goal_percentage=y
|winpoints=4|drawpoints=2
|team1=Por|team2=Col|team3=BL|team4=Syd|team5=Fre|team6=Ade
|team7=WC|team8=Ess|team9=Haw|team10=Kan|team11=StK|team12=Gee
|team13=Ric|team14=Mel|team15=Car|team16=WB
|win_Por=18|loss_Por=4|draw_Por=0|pf_Por=2229|pa_Por=1752
|win_Col=15|loss_Col=7|draw_Col=0|pf_Col=2259|pa_Col=1858
|win_BL=14|loss_BL=7|draw_BL=1|pf_BL=2295|pa_BL=1882|status_BL=P
|win_Syd=14|loss_Syd=8|draw_Syd=0|pf_Syd=2142|pa_Syd=1862
|win_Fre=14|loss_Fre=8|draw_Fre=0|pf_Fre=2143|pa_Fre=2078
|win_Ade=13|loss_Ade=9|draw_Ade=0|pf_Ade=2114|pa_Ade=1754
|win_WC=12|loss_WC=8|draw_WC=2|pf_WC=2326|pa_WC=1982
|win_Ess=13|loss_Ess=9|draw_Ess=0|pf_Ess=2190|pa_Ess=1960
|win_Haw=12|loss_Haw=10|draw_Haw=0|pf_Haw=2011|pa_Haw=1999
|win_Kan=11|loss_Kan=10|draw_Kan=1|pf_Kan=2185|pa_Kan=2223
|win_StK=11|loss_StK=11|draw_StK=0|pf_StK=2095|pa_StK=2187
|win_Gee=7|loss_Gee=14|draw_Gee=1|pf_Gee=1819|pa_Gee=2025
|win_Ric=7|loss_Ric=15|draw_Ric=0|pf_Ric=1846|pa_Ric=2078
|win_Mel=5|loss_Mel=17|draw_Mel=0|pf_Mel=1899|pa_Mel=2344
|win_Car=4|loss_Car=18|draw_Car=0|pf_Car=1784|pa_Car=2674
|win_WB=3|loss_WB=18|draw_WB=1|pf_WB=2014|pa_WB=2693
|name_Por=Port Adelaide
|name_Col=Collingwood
|name_BL=Brisbane Lions
|name_Syd=Sydney
|name_Fre=Fremantle
|name_Ade=Adelaide
|name_WC=West Coast
|name_Ess=Essendon
|name_Haw=Hawthorn
|name_Kan=Kangaroos
|name_StK=St Kilda
|name_Gee=Geelong
|name_Ric=Richmond
|name_Mel=Melbourne
|name_Car=Carlton
|name_WB=Western Bulldogs
|status_text_P=Premiers
|col_Q=#CCFFCC|text_Q=Finals series
|result1=Q|result2=Q|result3=Q|result4=Q|result5=Q|result6=Q|result7=Q|result8=Q
|class_rules = 1) points; 2) percentage; 3) number of points for.
|update=complete
|source=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120317130422/http://stats.afl.com.au/public/statistics/ladders/2003/All/ladders_all_2003.shtml?season_idIndex=106&round_noIndex=0&AFLstatisticMenu=1 AFL ladder]
}}
This marks the first time that Fremantle played a finals match and the first, and only time to date that all non-Victorian teams played in a finals series.
=Ladder progression=
{{#invoke:sports rbr table|table|sortable=y
|toptext=
{{legend|#ccffcc|outline=#aaa|Numbers highlighted in green indicate that the team finished the round inside the top 8.}}
{{legend|#99ccff|outline=#aaa|Numbers highlighted in blue indicates the team finished first on the ladder in that round.}}
{{legend|#ffcccc|outline=#aaa|Numbers highlighted in red indicates the team finished in last place on the ladder in that round.}}
|color_B=#99ccff|color_F=#ccffcc|color_R=#ffcccc
|update=complete
|source=
|team1=Port Adelaide
|res1= 0 / 0 / 4/8F/12F/16F/16F/20F/24F/28F/32F/36B/40B/40B/44B/48B/52B/56B/60B/64B/68B/72B
|team2=Collingwood
|res2=4F/8F/12B/12F/12F/12F/16F / 16/20F/24F/24F/24F/28F/32F/36F/40F/44F/48F/48F/52F/56F/60F
|team3=Brisbane Lions
|res3=4F/8B/10F/14B/18B/22B/22B/26B/30B/34B/34B/34F/38F/38F/42F/42F/42F/46F/50F/50F/54F/58F
|team4=Sydney
|res4=4B/4F/4F / 4 / 8/12F/16F/20F/20F/24F/28F/32F/32F/36F/40F/44F/48F/48F/48F/52F/52F/56F
|team5=Fremantle
|res5= 0 / 4 / 4 / 8 / 8 / 12/16F/20F/24F/28F/28F/32F/32F/36F/36F/40F/40F/44F/48F/52F/52F/56F
|team6=Adelaide
|res6=4F/4F/8F/12F/12F/16F/16F/16F/20F/24F/24F/28F/32F/36F/40F/40F/44F/48F/52F/52F/52F/52F
|team7=West Coast
|res7=4F/4F/8F/8F/12F/16F/20F/24F/28F/28F/30F/34F/38F/38F/42F/42F/46F/46F/46F/48F/52F/52F
|team8=Essendon
|res8= 0 / 4 / 4/8F/12F/12F / 12/16F / 16 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 24 / 28 / 28 / 32 / 36/40F/44F/48F/52F/52F
|team9=Hawthorn
|res9= 0/4F / 4 / 8 / 8 / 12 / 12 / 12 / 12 / 12 / 16 / 20 / 24 / 28 / 28 / 32 / 32 / 32 / 36 / 40 / 44 / 48
|team10=North Melbourne
|res10=4F/8F/10F/10F/10F / 10 / 14 / 14 / 18 / 22/26F/30F/30F/34F/34F/34F/38F / 38 / 38 / 38 / 42 / 46
|team11=St Kilda
|res11= 0 / 4 / 4/4R / 8 / 12 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 20 / 24 / 24 / 24 / 24 / 24 / 28 / 28 / 32 / 36 / 40 / 44 / 44
|team12=Geelong
|res12= 0 / 0/0R / 4/4R/4R/4R/4R / 8 / 8 / 12 / 12 / 12 / 16 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 24 / 26 / 26 / 30
|team13=Richmond
|res13= 0 / 4/8F/12F/16F/16F/20F/24F/24F/24F / 24 / 24 / 24 / 24 / 24 / 24 / 28 / 28 / 28 / 28 / 28 / 28
|team14=Melbourne
|res14=4F / 4/8F / 8 / 8 / 8 / 12 / 12 / 12 / 12 / 12 / 12 / 16 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 20
|team15=Carlton
|res15=0R/0R / 4 / 4 / 8 / 8 / 8 / 12 / 12 / 12 / 12 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16
|team16=Western Bulldogs
|res16=4F/4F / 4 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 4/4R/4R/6R/6R/6R/6R/6R/10R/10R/14R/14R/14R/14R/14R
}}
Finals series
{{8TeamBracket-PagePlayoff|RD2-RD3-cross=y
|team-width=150
|RD1-text1=7 Sep, AAMI Stadium
|RD1-team1={{AFL PA}}
|RD1-score1=13.10 (88)
|RD1-team2={{AFL Syd}}
|RD1-score2=15.10 (100)
|RD1-text2=5 Sep, Subiaco Oval
|RD1-team3={{AFL Fre}}
|RD1-score3=8.9 (57)
|RD1-team4={{AFL Ess}}
|RD1-score4=15.11 (101)
|RD1-text4=6 Sep, MCG
|RD1-team7={{AFL Col}}
|RD1-score7=9.12 (66)
|RD1-team8={{AFL BL}}
|RD1-score8=7.9 (51)
|RD1-text3=6 Sep, AAMI Stadium
|RD1-team5={{AFL Ade}}
|RD1-score5=16.17 (113)
|RD1-team6={{AFL WC}}
|RD1-score6=8.9 (57)
|RD2-text1=13 Sep, AAMI Stadium
|RD2-team1={{AFL PA}}
|RD2-score1=12.11 (83)
|RD2-team2={{AFL Ess}}
|RD2-score2=6.8 (44)
|RD2-text2=12 Sep, The Gabba
|RD2-team3={{AFL BL}}
|RD2-score3=18.16 (124)
|RD2-team4={{AFL Ade}}
|RD2-score4=12.10 (82)
|RD3-text1=20 Sep, Telstra Stadium
|RD3-team1={{AFL Syd}}
|RD3-score1=8.8 (56)
|RD3-team2={{AFL BL}}
|RD3-score2=14.16 (100)
|RD3-text2=20 Sep, MCG
|RD3-team3={{AFL Col}}
|RD3-score3=17.10 (112)
|RD3-team4={{AFL PA}}
|RD3-score4=9.14 (68)
|RD4-text1=27 Sep, MCG
|RD4-team1={{AFL BL}}
|RD4-score1=20.14 (134)
|RD4-team2={{AFL Col}}
|RD4-score2=12.12 (84)
}}
=Week one=
{{AFLGameHeader|title = Qualifying Finals}}
{{AFLGame |date = 7 September (2:30 pm) |home team = {{AFL PA}} |home score = 13.10 (88) |winner = A |away team = {{AFL Syd}} |away score = 15.10 (100) |venue = AAMI Stadium |crowd = 33,968 |report = }}
{{AFLGame |date = 6 September (7:30 pm) |home team = {{AFL Col}} |home score = 9.12 (66) |winner = H |away team = {{AFL BL}} |away score = 7.9 (51) |venue = MCG |crowd = 66,092 |report = }}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes = }}
{{AFLGameHeader|title = Elimination Finals}}
{{AFLGame |date = 5 September (6:40 pm) |home team = {{AFL Fre}} |home score = 8.9 (57) |winner = A |away team = {{AFL Ess}} |away score = 15.11 (101) |venue = Subiaco Oval |crowd = 42,770 |report = }}
{{AFLGame |date = 6 September (2:30 pm) |home team = {{AFL Ade}} |home score = 16.17 (113) |winner = H |away team = {{AFL WC}} |away score = 8.9 (57) |venue = AAMI Stadium |crowd = 38,641 |report = }}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes = * Fremantle played in its first ever final, losing to Essendon by 44 points. }}
=Week two=
{{AFLGameHeader|title = Semi-finals}}
{{AFLGame |date = 12 September (7:30 pm) |home team = {{AFL BL}} |home score = 18.16 (124) |winner = H |away team = {{AFL Ade}} |away score = 12.10 (82) |venue = The Gabba |crowd = 32,432 |report = }}
{{AFLGame |date = 13 September (7:30 pm) |home team = {{AFL PA}} |home score = 12.11 (83) |winner = H |away team = {{AFL Ess}} |away score = 6.8 (44) |venue = AAMI Stadium |crowd = 36,557 |report = }}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes =
- No game was played at the MCG this week, despite the agreement then in place with the Melbourne Cricket Club that at least one game each week of the finals be played at the MCG. Neither match was considered a viable option to be moved, as one match featured two non-Victorian teams (Brisbane and Adelaide), and the other match featured a first-placed non-Victorian side (Port Adelaide) versus an eighth-placed Victorian side (Essendon).
}}
=Week three=
{{AFLGameHeader|title = Preliminary Finals}}
{{AFLGame |date = 20 September (2:30 pm) |home team = {{AFL Col}} |home score = 17.10 (112) |winner = H |away team = {{AFL PA}} |away score = 9.14 (68) |venue = MCG |crowd = 77,405 |report = }}
{{AFLGame |date = 20 September (7:30 pm) |home team = {{AFL Syd}} |home score = 8.8 (56) |winner = A |away team = {{AFL BL}} |away score = 14.16 (100) |venue = Telstra Stadium |crowd = 71,019 |report = }}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes =
- The attendance of 71,019 for the final between Sydney and Brisbane is the largest attendance ever for an AFL game not featuring a Victorian team played outside Victoria.
- As of 2023, this remains the last time two finals matches were played on the same day after the first week.
}}
=Week four=
{{main|2003 AFL Grand Final}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title = Grand Final}}
{{AFLGame |date = 27 September (2:40 pm) |home team = {{AFL BL}} |home score = 20.14 (134) |winner = H |away team = {{AFL Col}} |away score = 12.12 (84) |venue = MCG |crowd = 79,451 |report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20121002162546/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/5275/default.aspx Report]}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes =
- The {{AFL BL}} victory was the clubs third successive premiership and were the fourth team to achieve three or more premierships in a row.
}}
Match attendance
Total match attendance for all games was 5,872,352 people. Attendance at the grand final was 79,451 people. The largest non-finals attendance was 72,393 people for the {{AFL Syd}} vs {{AFL Col}} game in round 21.
Awards
- The Brownlow Medal was awarded to Mark Ricciuto of Adelaide, Nathan Buckley of Collingwood, and Adam Goodes of Sydney.
- The Leigh Matthews Trophy was awarded to Michael Voss of the Brisbane Lions.
- The Coleman Medal was awarded to Matthew Lloyd of Essendon.
- The Norm Smith Medal was awarded to Simon Black of the Brisbane Lions.
- The AFL Rising Star award was awarded to Sam Mitchell of Hawthorn.
- The Wooden Spoon was "awarded" to the Western Bulldogs for coming last.
Notable events
- {{AFL WB}} captain Chris Grant suffered a season-ending knee injury in his side's round one win over {{AFL Gee}}. His absence in the team was severely felt as the Bulldogs ended up finishing last on the AFL ladder.{{cite web|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/40275/dogs-can-learn-from-history-on-murphy-injury|title=Dogs can learn from history on Murphy injury|publisher=Australian Football League|first=Michael|last=Whiting|date=11 April 2016|access-date=22 June 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.redlandcitybulletin.com.au/story/3841291/afl-2016-i-felt-the-pop-says-bob-murphy/|title=AFL 2016: 'I felt the pop,' says Bob Murphy|publisher=Redland City Bulletin|first=Jon|last=Pierik|date=11 April 2016|access-date=22 June 2020}}
- {{AFL ESS}} Forward Matthew Lloyd would kick 11 goals in his sides 67 point win over the {{AFL WB}} to surpass Simon Madden as the recorder holder for most goals kicked by an Essendon player in the club's history.
External links
- [http://afltables.com/afl/seas/2003.html 2003 Season – AFL Tables]