Click here to see the LIVE ladder after Essendon's relegation to ninth position
With the previously seventh-placed Bombers now consigned to ending the season in ninth place, a spot has been vacated for one of five clubs.
Tuesday night's announcement sets the stage for a tantalising final round that, with Essendon, would only have been relevant for determining the final ladder positions of the eight already-qualified teams.
KEY ROUND 23 MATCH-UPS
Geelong v Brisbane Lions, Simonds Stadium, Saturday 2.10pm
Port Adelaide v Carlton, AAMI Stadium, Saturday, 4.10pm
West Coast v Adelaide, Patersons Stadium, Saturday, 6.10pm
Collingwood v North Melbourne, MCG, Sunday, 3.20pm
Click here to see the LIVE ladder after Essendon's relegation to ninth position