The Round 24 AFL fixture is nearing completion.
The league is still putting the pieces together as they strive to maximise the key fixtures in what promises to be a fascinating final home and away round.
SEN’s Tom Morris believes two fixtures are already locked in - Essendon v Collingwood and Carlton v GWS - with the remainder still to fall into place.
Rd 24:
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) August 7, 2023
Friday: Collingwood v Essendon 🔒
Sat early: Hawthorn v Freo 🔒
Sat 1.45pm: GC v NMFC 🔒
Sat twilight: Brisbane v St Kilda 🔒
Sat night: Geel v Dogs 🔒
Sunday 1.10pm: Port v Richmond 🔒
Sunday evening: Carlton v GWS 🔒
Likely Sun 3.20: Syd v Melb❓
Leaves WC v…
“The AFL is trying to optimise it for television and broadcast reasons,” Morris said on SEN Breakfast.
“The bookends of the weekend will be Friday night, Essendon v Collingwood at the MCG. That’s 100 per cent locked in.
“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.
“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 3:20pm as a Plan B.
“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.”
The other Round 24 fixtures not mentioned are Brisbane v St Kilda (Gabba), North Melbourne v Gold Coast (Blundstone Arena) and West Coast v Adelaide (Optus Stadium).
The AFL is expected to release the Round 24 fixture as early as Monday.