AS THE eight finalists plan for week one of finals and the 10 also-rans get serious about their playing stocks and coaching ranks for 2017 and beyond, here's a snapshot of what's taking place during the AFL's 'Celebration of Football' week and the first week of finals:
Tuesday, August 30: coach and captain media conferences involving the Sydney Swans, Hawthorn and Greater Western Sydney.
Wednesday, August 31: launch of the 2016 finals series, Melbourne; coach and captain media conference involving Geelong.
Thursday, September 1: announcement of the 2016 Virgin Australia AFL All Australian team and awards, Melbourne (broadcast live nationally on Fox Footy from 8.30pm EST).
Friday, September 2: E J Whitten Legends game, Etihad Stadium from 7.50pm EST (broadcast live nationally on Seven Network from 7.30pm AEST and streamed on AFL.com.au and AFL Live App).
Saturday, September 3: week one of VFL, SANFL and WAFL finals; AFL women's All-Stars match between Western Bulldogs and Melbourne, Whitten Oval, from 7.10pm (broadcast live nationally on Seven Network from 7pm EST and streamed on AFL.com.au and AFL Live App).
Sunday, September 4: week one of VFL, SANFL and WAFL finals continue.
Monday, September 5: coach and captain media conferences involving Adelaide, West Coast, the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne (TBC).
Tuesday, September 6: coach and captain media conferences involving Adelaide, West Coast, the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne (TBC); announcement of NAB AFL Rising Star Award, Melbourne (broadcast live nationally on Fox Footy from 1.30pm EST).
WEEK ONE OF AFL FINALS
Second elimination final
Thursday, September 8:
West Coast v Western Bulldogs, Domain Stadium (6.10pm AWST/8.10pm AEST)
Second qualifying final
Friday, September 9
Geelong v Hawthorn, MCG (7.50pm AEST)
First qualifying final
Saturday, September 10
Sydney Swans v GWS Giants, ANZ Stadium (3.20pm AEST)
First elimination final
Saturday, September 10
Adelaide v North Melbourne, Adelaide Oval (7.10pm ACST/7.40pm AEST)
