IT'S ROUND 23 and we have a thrilling finish to the home and away season coming up over the next fortnight.

And it doesn't get much better than Friday night's blockbuster top-of-the-table clash between Collingwood and Brisbane at Marvel Stadium. The Pies can lock up the minor premiership with victory, while the Lions can gain an enormous amount of confidence - and edge closer to a top-two finish - if they get the chocolates.

That is the first of many matches across the weekend with huge finals ramifications. Greater Western Sydney and Essendon do battle on Saturday afternoon in an effective elimination final, while St Kilda can all but end Geelong's finals hopes later that evening. Adelaide and Sydney is another monster clash with September on the line.

On Sunday, Melbourne will be aiming to keep its top-four hopes alive against a dangerous Hawthorn, while the round concludes with Fremantle hosting Port Adelaide.