THE AFL have announced the fixture for round 23, with Melbourne scheduled to play the GWS Giants at 3.20pm AEST on Sunday August 26 at the MCG. 

AFL General Manager Clubs Travis Auld said the AFL had sought to fixture the final round so that matches that could potentially affect the make-up of the top eight were spread across all three days of games to be played.

As round 23 will be followed by a bye week for all clubs that are contesting the finals, he said the AFL had sought equally to maximise the potential attendance at each game, to provide the best possible schedule for the AFL’s broadcast partners – the Seven Network, Foxtel / Fox Sports and Telstra – and to hopefully cap an outstanding premiership season with a dramatic conclusion to the home and away matches.

‘In 2017, the finishing position for the last spot in the final eight was determined in the closing minutes of the final match of round 23 between West Coast and the Adelaide Crows at Subiaco, before we went into a memorable finals series,” Mr Auld said.

“The likely key matches that will settle the top eight this year have been spread across Friday / Saturday and Sunday and will hopefully make for a wonderful last weekend of football, before our showcase finals matches.”

The Port Adelaide v Essendon match was scheduled for Friday night as matches at Adelaide Oval for the SA-based clubs have consistently proven to be well-attended and extremely attractive for national audiences.

Mr Auld said the Sydney Swans v Hawthorn match was the other consideration to be played on Friday night, but was scheduled for Saturday night. These two showpiece matches will have strong implications for the make-up of the final eight.

Reigning premier Richmond was scheduled for a day game at the MCG, as this timeslot has had the strong support of its fans, while the matches for Geelong Cats v Gold Coast Suns and Carlton v Adelaide Crows were respectively scheduled across Saturday day/ night slots where each club has been able to draw well in their home market.

In the Saturday twilight slot, Fremantle v Collingwood was scheduled as it was likely this match had the potential to affect the finals’ order with Collingwood chasing a position in the top four.

The Brisbane Lions will host West Coast in the early match on Sunday to enable the Eagles to return home that night, as the longest road trip the club makes during the season.

Melbourne and the GWS Giants are both currently chasing a place in the top four, and this game was placed for Sunday afternoon, while St Kilda v North Melbourne will be played as the final match of the season, with the Kangaroos set to be chasing a spot in the top eight.

Mr Auld said the AFL was hopeful, with four rounds remaining in the season, that the AFL could yet eclipse after the 2017 Toyota AFL Premiership Season all-time record of 6,732,601 fans. AFL Attendances currently stand at 5,597,031.

Round 23 is the AFL’s final Super Round for the season, where it’s all about the fans! No matter where a fan’s team has finished on the ladder, the Round 23 matches will be a celebration of footy and a fun day out for all ages, where kids go free at all venues*. Every match will see entertainment, special appearances by Marvel superheroes, food and beverage offers plus much more!

Super Round is an extension of the Sunday Funday initiative, in its fourth season, with the AFL ensuring matches continue to be accessible and affordable.

Round 23 fixture

Friday August 24
Port Adelaide v Essendon at Adelaide Oval, 7.20pm ACST / 7.50pm AEST (Channel 7)

Saturday August 25
Geelong Cats v Gold Coast Suns at GMHBA Stadium, 1.45pm AEST (Foxtel / Fox Sports)
Richmond v Western Bulldogs at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST (Foxtel / Fox Sports)
Fremantle v Collingwood at Domain Stadium, 2.35pm (AWST) / 4.35pm AEST (Foxtel / Fox Sports)
Sydney Swans v Hawthorn at the SCG, 7.25pm AEST (Channel 7)
Carlton v Adelaide Crows at Etihad Stadium, 7.25pm AEST (Foxtel / Fox Sports)

Sunday August 26
Brisbane Lions v West Coast at the Gabba, 1.10pm AEST (Foxtel / Fox Sports)
Melbourne v GWS Giants at the MCG, 3.20pm AEST (Channel 7)
St Kilda v North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, 4.40pm AEST (Foxtel / Fox Sports)