A SUPER Sunday in round 23 will prove crucial in deciding the make-up of the top eight.
The AFL revealed the full fixture for the final weekend of matches on Tuesday evening, with traditional rivals Collingwood and Essendon pencilled in for the primetime Friday night slot.
Currently sixth and seventh respectively, both teams are likely to qualify for the finals, though it remains a contest that could have implications on the ultimate finishing positions.
However, Sunday's games could define which teams actually compete in September.
The Western Bulldogs host Adelaide in Ballarat to start Sunday's slate of games, with the Crows currently ahead of the Dogs in eighth spot on percentage only.
It's a contest bound to have finals ramifications, and it could also impact upon the importance of Port Adelaide's game with Fremantle at the Adelaide Oval later in the day.
The two sides are both a game behind the Crows and the Dogs and will be hopeful of results going their way in the final month to ensure they remain a chance in that twilight clash.
Sandwiched in between those games will be Richmond's highly anticipated bout with Brisbane at the MCG, which has been scheduled as the free-to-air Sunday game.
Currently fourth and third respectively, the Tigers' clash with the Lions could potentially decide whether one – or both – qualify for the double chance via a top-four finish.
Elsewhere, Saturday's games are less consequential in terms of the finals picture.
Sydney takes on St Kilda at the SCG to begin Saturday's action, before North Melbourne hosts Melbourne in Hobart in the other afternoon game for the day.
First-placed Geelong takes on Carlton at GHMBA Stadium in the twilight slot.
Bound for a top-four finish, West Coast will host Hawthorn on Saturday night in a clash that will coincide with Gold Coast's meeting with Greater Western Sydney at Metricon Stadium.