The week three fixture for the 2023 VFL Finals Series has been confirmed, with the only sides that remain being the top four of the home and away season ladder.
On Saturday 16 September, both preliminary finals will take place. The first game will be the second preliminary final between Werribee and the Brisbane Lions at Avalon Airport Oval at 12:00pm (all times AEST).
The second game to take place will be the first preliminary final between the Gold Coast Suns and Box Hill Hawks at Heritage Bank Stadium at 3:00pm.
Both games will be streamed live on Channel 7 and on the AFL website.
Gold Coast finished the season as the minor premiers in 2023 after a dominant year. The Suns finished on top equal on points with Werribee, with the Queensland side taking out the home and away season title on percentage.
The Suns were victorious in their qualifying final, defeating Brisbane comfortably 19.13.127 to 12.12.84. Werribee won their qualifying final against the Hawks 11.14.80 to 8.12.60.
Brisbane and Box Hill have reached the preliminary final the long way, winning their semi-finals after a qualifying final defeat. Brisbane defeated Williamstown by 40 points whilst Box Hill won against the Footscray Bulldogs by 20.
Werribee played Brisbane back in Round 1 of the VFL season and were defeated by one point at Brighton Homes Arena. The Tigers will be flying high into the preliminary final as they are currently on an incredible 17-game win streak.
In their previous battle, Gold Coast cruised to a 64-point belting over the Hawks and will be looking to do the same in the preliminary final. The Hawks however will be aiming to forget their last outing at Heritage Bank Stadium and make amends for their earlier performance.
The Smithy's VFL Grand Final is scheduled to take place on Sunday 24 September with the details yet to be announced.
Saturday, September 16
Second Preliminary Final, Werribee (2nd) vs. Brisbane Lions (4th)
Avalon Airport Oval, 12:00pm AEST
First Preliminary Final, Gold Coast Suns (1st) vs. Box Hill Hawks (3rd)
Heritage Bank Stadium, 3:00pm AEST