A FRIDAY night clash at the MCG featuring fierce rivals Geelong and Hawthorn will kick-start this year's Toyota AFL Finals Series.
After Saturday's results, the League has announced the full fixture for week one of the finals series, with the Hawks and Cats to meet in the second qualifying final at the MCG on Friday September 9.
The MCG will host three matches in week one of the finals, with reigning premiers Collingwood to host West Coast in the first qualifying final on Saturday afternoon at the home of football.
The first elimination final between traditional rivals Carlton and Essendon will also be held at the MCG, on Sunday afternoon.
The second elimination final, between St Kilda and the Sydney Swans, will be played at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
AFL chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan said the AFL had determined the schedule to ensure the top four teams had a longer preparation time going into the second week of the finals series, compared to sides that win through from the two elimination finals.
He also said the Geelong-Hawthorn, Collingwood-West Coast and Carlton-Essendon match-ups had to be played at the MCG, due to the expected attendance at each match.
"The Geelong-Hawthorn and St Kilda-Sydney Swans matches are on the same side of the finals draw, as are the Collingwood-West Coast and Carlton-Essendon games, meaning it is preferable for those pairs of matches to be played on consecutive days, to ensure similar preparation times for week two of the finals," he said.
"In each case, the loser of the qualifying final will have one day longer than its opponent to prepare for the semi-final in week two, to ensure that any advantage through the finals should rest with higher-placed teams on the ladder where possible."
McLachlan added the fixture for the second week of the finals would see games played on Friday night and Saturday (time TBC).
Meanwhile, live music is set to be a major part of the finals series, with pre-match performances scheduled for each week.
Internationally acclaimed Australian group Eskimo Joe will launch the program with a performance on the opening night of the finals.
Other artists confirmed to perform through September are Absolutely 80s, Wolfgramm Sisters, Ross Wilson, Dan Sultan, Glenn Shorrock and Tim Rogers.
Friday September 9
Second Qualifying Final: Geelong Cats v Hawthorn at the MCG, 7.45pm
Saturday September 10
First Qualifying Final: Collingwood v West Coast at the MCG, 2.20pm
Second Elimination Final: St Kilda v Sydney Swans at Etihad Stadium, 7.20pm
Sunday September 12
First Elimination Final: Carlton v Essendon at the MCG, 2.40pm
