THE WESTERN Bulldogs' flag hopes could depend on a round 23 Friday night meeting with Hawthorn as the two sides kick off the final home and away round at Etihad Stadium in what is likely to be Luke Hodge's last game.
A super Sunday of football will see all three matches likely to have finals implications.
In the early afternoon slot, Essendon will host Fremantle at Etihad Stadium while the final match of the season for premiership points could see Adelaide needing a victory against West Coast at Domain Stadium to lock up the minor premiership.
Richmond hosts St Kilda at the MCG that afternoon in what could be Nick Riewoldt's final match.
Saturday night's contest between Geelong and Greater Western Sydney at Simonds Stadium will certainly have top-four implications.
In the same timeslot, Port Adelaide might have a chance to secure the double chance when it faces Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval.
A potential wooden spoon subplot could be decided when the Brisbane Lions and North Melbourne face off at the Gabba at 2.10PM AEST on the Saturday. In the twilight slot, Carlton travels north to face the surging Swans.
A Blues loss could see them nab the No.1 selection in the year's NAB AFL Draft.
Traditional foes Collingwood and Melbourne will meet at the MCG in the Saturday afternoon timeslot with the Demons hoping to still be in the race for top four.
A Celebration of Football week will be held after the final round. It wil include the NAB AFL Women's State of Origin match and the announcement of the All Australian team.
The round 23 fixtures
Friday, August 25
Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs (Etihad Stadium) 7.50PM AEST
Saturday, August 26
Collingwood v Melbourne (MCG) 1.45PM AEST
Brisbane Lions v North Melbourne (Gabba) 2.10PM AEST
Sydney v Carlton (SCG) 4.35PM AEST
Geelong v Greater Western Sydney (Simonds Stadium) 7.25PM AEST
Port Adelaide v Gold Coast (Adelaide Oval) 7.10PM ACST
Sunday, August 27
Essendon v Fremantle (Etihad Stadium) 1.10PM AEST
Richmond v St Kilda (MCG) 3.20PM AEST
West Coast v Adelaide (Domain Stadium) 2.40PM AWST
