THE STARTING times for round 24 matches have been finalised, with Collingwood and Geelong to meet in the last Friday night game of the home and away season.

While the Magpies are four points clear of the Cats and have a game in hand, the blockbuster clash could become a battle for top spot on the ladder if Mick Malthouse's men stumble in the lead-up to the finals.

In a statement released on Monday afternoon, the AFL said both sides "are likely to finish in the top two positions on the ladder and deserving of the maximum preparation and fixture options leading into the opening week of the finals."

Five games will be played on the Saturday of round 24. Top eight sides Hawthorn and Fremantle will both take to the field on the Saturday afternoon, enabling them to be back in their home state later that day.
 
Carlton and St Kilda will do battle at the MCG on the Saturday night in what shapes as a crucial clash.

Melbourne, which is currently 11th on the ladder, is the only team that will travel on the final day of the home and away season (Sunday, September 4).

The Demons take on Port Adelaide in the first match to be played at the Adelaide Oval since the Power and Crows entered the AFL.

"The trip to Adelaide (is) the shortest possible flight of all teams scheduled to travel in round 24," the AFL statement read.

"Playing in the earlier of the two matches … ensures that Melbourne will be home as early as possible on Sunday evening should they be competing in the 2011 Toyota AFL Finals Series the week after."
 
The schedule for week one of the finals will be announced on the evening of Sunday, September 4.

ROUND 24 FIXTURE

Friday, September 2
Collingwood v Geelong Cats at the MCG, 7.40pm (Channel 7)
 
Saturday, September 3
Gold Coast Suns v Hawthorn at Metricon Stadium, 1.10pm (Fox Sports)
Western Bulldogs v Fremantle at Etihad Stadium, 2.10pm (Network Ten)
Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions at the SCG, 4.10pm (Fox Sports)
Carlton v St Kilda at the MCG, 7.10pm (Network Ten)
West Coast v Adelaide Crows at Patersons Stadium, 5.10pm (Fox Sports)
 
Sunday, September 4
Port Adelaide v Melbourne at Adelaide Oval, 2.40pm (Channel 7)
Richmond v North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, 4.40pm (Fox Sports)