The finals frame for 2023 is officially locked in after GWS booked their spot in the top eight through a thrilling finish to the home and away season.
A win over Carlton to conclude the final round of the season saw the Giants attain a finals spot, with the Bulldogs the unlucky party from the result as they fell out of the top eight.
Minor premiers Collingwood will host Melbourne in a qualifying final to continue their premiership pursuit, with that match to be held at the MCG.
The Victorian venue will hold three of the first four finals as Carlton and St Kilda joined the Magpies in booking home finals, while the second qualifying final will be held at the Gabba between Brisbane and Port Adelaide, who finished second and third on the ladder respectively.
The Blues will host Sydney in an elimination final after finishing fifth - marking their return to September for the first time since 2013. The Saints will host GWS in the other elimination final, with the game to be held at the MCG despite the Saints' preference for Marvel Stadium.
The Giants narrowly missed out on hosting the elimination final, with the New South Wales side having been in sixth spot for a fraction of time during their match with Carlton before seeing their percentage fall enough to finish the year one rung under the Saints.
| P | W | L | PTS | % | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | SYD | 15 | 13 | 2 | 52 | 144.2 |
| 2 |  | CARL | 15 | 11 | 4 | 44 | 118.5 |
| 3 |  | FRE | 15 | 9 | 5 | 38 | 111.3 |
| 4 |  | ESS | 15 | 9 | 5 | 38 | 99 |
| 5 |  | GEEL | 15 | 9 | 6 | 36 | 106.2 |
| 6 |  | COLL | 15 | 8 | 5 | 36 | 105.8 |
| 7 |  | PORT | 15 | 9 | 6 | 36 | 101.1 |
| 8 |  | BL | 15 | 8 | 6 | 34 | 121 |
Dates and venues have been confirmed, with the four finals in the opening week of the post-season set to be held from Thursday, September 7 to Saturday, September 9.
Collingwood and Melbourne will play on the Thursday night, with Carlton's clash with Sydney to come the following evening before two matches on Saturday, the first being the second elimination finals between the Saints and Giants.
2023 AFL Finals Week One
Thursday, September 7
First Qualifying Final, Collingwood vs Melbourne, 7:20pm, MCG
Friday, September 8
First Elimination Final, Carlton vs Sydney Swans, 7:50pm, MCG
Saturday, September 9
Second Elimination Final, St Kilda vs GWS GIANTS, 3.20pm, MCG
Second Qualifying Final, Brisbane Lions vs Port Adelaide, 7:25pm, The Gabba
