AFL confirms times and venues for final round of season
Drama is guaranteed in the final round of the AFL season, with the fixture locked in to create a thrilling climax in the hunt for finals spots.
AFL
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Essendon will get the final Friday night stage for what could be a last-ditch shot at the finals after the AFL locked in their round 24 clash with Collingwood at the MCG.
Then Carlton will get to lock down its possible return to the finals for the first time since 2013 and confirm their premiership launching position when the Blues close out the 2023 regular season with a Sunday twilight clash against GWS at Marvel Stadium.
Currently in 12th, the Bombers are one of four teams, including reigning premiers Geelong, outside the eight but still in the hunt to play in September with three rounds of the home and away season to go.
The AFL had waited as long as possible to confirm the make-up of the final round to ensure maximum drama, with the fortunes of several teams, including Richmond, fluctuating in recent weeks.
Mathematically, there are still 14 teams in the hunt for spots from fifth to eight, although losses last weekend made it harder for the Tigers and Fremantle, who now likely to need to win all three game to play finals.
Results in round 21 allowed the league to position those teams still vying for spots in key matches.
“The last few rounds have shown this finals race is very much still wide open and we have been witnessing some incredible closely fought matches,” AFL head of broadcast operations and scheduling Josh Bowler said.
“We expect these last three rounds will keep footy fans enthralled as the race for the top eight is decided.
“This last round could possibly see up to six games with both teams competing for a finals outcome, which will make for a fitting conclusion to a record-breaking season so far.”
St Kilda, in seventh but stumbling, could have their finals hopes snuffed out by the Brisbane Lions, who could be vying for a top-two finish, in a Saturday night showdown at the Gabba.
Geelong will take on the Western Bulldogs on the Saturday night in a game that could determine if the current champions miss the finals all together.
Melbourne’s final finishing position will then be determined in an SCG Sunday showdown with the Swans, who are charging late and in 10th spot, just half a game outside the eight.
The final-round twilight clash on the Sunday between the Blues, who have jumped to fifth on a seven-game winning streak, and GWS, who are eight, will be the last game of the home and away season.
The AFL is keeping the pre-finals bye despite critics claiming it kills the momentum gained by the final round of matches.
It will also allow teams with injuries to key players, including Collingwood star Nick Daicos and Melbourne’s Harrison Petty, another week in their recoveries.
AFL ROUND 24 FIXTURE
Friday, August 25:
Essendon v Collingwood, MCG 7.50pm
Saturday, August 26:
North Melbourne v Gold Coast Suns, Blundstone Arena 1.45pm
Hawthorn v Fremantle, MCG 1.45pm
Brisbane Lions v St Kilda, The Gabba 4.35pm
Geelong Cats v Western Bulldogs, GMHBA Stadium 7.25pm
West Coast Eagles v Adelaide Crows, Optus Stadium 8.10pm
Sunday, August 27
Port Adelaide v Richmond, Adelaide Oval, noon
Sydney Swans v Melbourne, SCG 3.20pm
Carlton v GWS, Marvel Stadium 6.10pm
Originally published as AFL confirms times and venues for final round of season
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