2023 AFL Fixtures & Schedule

Victorian powerhouses reportedly set for prime-time Round 24 slot, additional fixture leaks revealed

The Round 24 fixture is understood to be taking shape.

Published by
Josh De Sa

The 'bookends' of the AFL's Round 24 fixture have reportedly been decided, with two Victorian powerhouses slated to kick things off, and another to close out the weekend against a finals aspirant.

While the final round's game days and times are yet to be officially confirmed by the AFL, Essendon-Collingwood is expected to be the matchup that commences the final weekend of the home and away season.

Amid a tensely tight race for top-eight seeding, the AFL is thought to be doing everything it can to ensure the best possible results for broadcasters.

Speaking via SEN on Monday morning, reporter Tom Morris claimed the AFL has selected its opener and closer for Round 24, adding one matchup is "100 per cent locked in".

"The AFL is trying to optimise it for television and broadcast reasons," began Morris on Monday morning.

"The bookends of the weekend will be Friday night, Essendon v Collingwood at the MCG. That's 100 per cent locked in."

The Pies and Dons clashed in Round 6 in another Anzac Day classic, as the Pies pulled off a characteristic last-quarter comeback after trailing by 28 points at three-quarter time.

Morris reported the Blues and Giants will conclude the round at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon, or potentially evening.

"At the other end of the weekend on Sunday late afternoon/evening, Carlton v GWS at Marvel Stadium to finish Round 24. That could potentially be very interesting with top eight positions up for grabs," said Morris.

The Carlton-GWS clash could have win-or-go-home ramifications for both sides. With the Blues soaring, a finals appearance seems likely. However, if the matchup ends up being a deciding one, it shapes as a classic.

In addition to the supposedly confirmed status of the opening and closing games, Morris speculated on the days and times of the remainder of the round.

"In between that, there is still a bit to work through at the AFL. Geelong and the Western Bulldogs both believe their game will be Saturday night at GMHBA Stadium with Sunday 3:20 pm as a Plan B," Morris continued.

"Hawthorn v Fremantle is a dead rubber on Saturday afternoon at the MCG, that's what it looks like.

"Sydney v Melbourne, both clubs expect that to be Saturday afternoon or evening at the SCG.

"Port Adelaide v Richmond is likely for Saturday at some stage rather than Sunday.

"We're still waiting on all the answers, but I can confirm the bookends which will be Friday night Collingwood v Essendon and late Sunday at Marvel which will be Carlton v GWS."

One of the most highly anticipated closing rounds in recent history, the AFL is aiming to shape an incredible weekend of football for fans and stakeholders.

Published by
Josh De Sa