'SUPER Saturday' contains four matches full of promise in their own right, and the permutations of each result will have significant ramifications in this year's premiership race.
It is a grand day of football that will make clearer the path to this year's Grand Final.
The Saturday afternoon clash between Geelong and the Sydney Swans at Simonds Stadium is the main event, and a clash that will help shape the top two.
Its importance in this year's flag race can't be overstated.
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In the past 10 seasons, the eventual premier has come from outside the top two just three times – the Swans in 2005 and 2012 and the Brisbane Lions in 2003.
Of the past 20 grand finalists, just five have come from outside the top two.
Geelong has the chance to all but secure its place in the top two if it beats the Swans, with the Cats unlikely to lose their final-round tune up against the Brisbane Lions (although stranger things have happened).
Should the Swans win on Saturday afternoon however, the race for second place will be thrown wide open, with John Longmire's men as well as Fremantle ready to pounce.
While mathematically still able to finish on top of the ladder, the Swans could end up as low as fourth should they lose their final two matches, with Hawthorn looming in round 23.
On Saturday, they will need to overturn a shocking recent record against the Cats, having lost 11 of the past 13 contests, including nine straight between 2006 and 2011.
The famous win that ended that losing streak was in round 23, 2011, at Simonds Stadium.
Fremantle, which will be preparing for its clash against Port Adelaide at Patersons Stadium as the Cats and Swans do battle, will be hanging on the result in Geelong.
The Dockers' chances of finishing in the top two, and setting themselves up for two home finals, hinge on the Swans beating the Cats.
A Fremantle side able to secure two finals at Patersons Stadium, where it has won 15 of its last 16 games under coach Ross Lyon, is a proposition that all other contenders fear.
First however, the Dockers must overcome a Port Adelaide side playing to lock away its place in the top eight.
The Power, one of the feel-good stories of this season, haven't played finals since 2007, and would be guaranteed a place in the eight if they beat Fremantle.
Should they lose, they risk their round 23 match-up against Carlton at AAMI Stadium turning into a play-off for eighth spot.
For that scenario to eventuate, the Blues need to overcome an Essendon side that is in free fall on Saturday night at the MCG.
Who knows what the Dons will produce against their bitter rival, but the club's response to yet another week of off-field turmoil is must-watch viewing in itself.
Then there is the matter of a possible loss of premiership points by the Dons, which has obvious ramifications for Carlton if it finishes ninth – a spot not to be sneezed at this season.
North Melbourne is also in the mix for ninth if it can cause an upset against Hawthorn on Saturday at Etihad Stadium.
The Hawks, meanwhile, are playing to all but lock in top spot and the fixturing preferences that will deliver through September.
If they lose, they open the door for Geelong or the Swans to pip them for the minor premiership.
As we head into 'Super Saturday', almost anything is possible.
Come Saturday night, we will have a much clearer picture of who is best placed to win this year's premiership.
