Matchups for week three of 2023 AFL Finals confirmed

Just four sides remain in the premiership race, with the matchups for the preliminary final fixtures now settled heading into week three of the 2023 AFL Finals series.

Collingwood and Brisbane had already booked themselves home preliminary finals following the opening week of post-season action, claiming qualifying final wins over Melbourne and Port Adelaide respectively.

The Magpies, who claimed the minor premiership, will now welcome GWS to the MCG for a mouth-watering bout that is expected to be held on Friday night.

That will give Collingwood an eight-day break for the grand final should they claim a win, while a reversed result would mean the Giants will not only cause an upset but will also benefit from a longer break than their grand final opponents.

The second preliminary final between Brisbane and Carlton will then be held on the second last Saturday of the season, with a twilight timeslot likely to stage the penultimate match of the year to allow travel time following the match if Carlton are successful.

That will allow the Blues to return home by Saturday night and be given a full week's break before the season decider.

If the Lions win, they'll return to the MCG for their first grand final appearance since 2004 and it will be just their third appearance at the venue this year.