The AFL has today confirmed the fixture for Week One of the 2021 Toyota AFL Finals Series, to be as follows:

Friday, August 27
Second Qualifying Final, Port Adelaide vs. Geelong Cats at Adelaide Oval, 7:50pm AEST / 7:20pm ACST

Saturday, August 28
Second Elimination Final, Sydney Swans vs. GWS GIANTS at University of Tasmania Stadium, 3:20pm AEST

Saturday, August 28
First Qualifying Final, Melbourne vs. Brisbane Lions at Adelaide Oval, 7:30pm AEST / 7:00pm ACST

Sunday, August 29
First Elimination Final, Western Bulldogs vs. Essendon at University of Tasmania Stadium, 3:20pm AEST

All matches in Week One of the Toyota AFL Finals Series will be broadcast live nationally on the Seven Network and Fox Footy and streamed live on Kayo.

AFL General Manager of Clubs and Broadcasting Travis Auld said the AFL wanted to firstly thank everyone who has played a role in completing the home-and-away season.

"To the 18 AFL Clubs, players, coaches and staff and their families, umpires, AFLPA, broadcast and commercial partners, venues and all State and Territory Governments – thank you for your support as we navigated the 23 rounds of football – our most challenging season to date," Mr Auld said.

"Thanks also to fans across the country for their ongoing support of their clubs and of the game this year.

"The final round of the home-and-away season has been incredible – we witnessed a brilliant Friday night game between the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide, a draw between Richmond and Hawthorn as we farewelled greats of the game, the Lions securing a top four finish, a thriller between Geelong and Melbourne to decide top spot and eighth place on the ladder confirmed on the final day of the home-and-away season.

"We are really looking forward to what is shaping up to be an extraordinary Finals Series where any team can win."

Mr Auld said the fixture for Week One of the Toyota AFL Finals Series seeks to prioritise playing matches in front of crowds, along with considering relevant club preferences and balancing equitable day-breaks where possible for all clubs in the finals.

"Week One of the Toyota AFL Finals Series will see a match played on Friday night, Saturday afternoon, Saturday night and a match played on Sunday afternoon.

"Port Adelaide will host the Geelong Cats at Adelaide Oval in the opening match of the Finals Series with the game to be played on Friday night."

Mr Auld said University of Tasmania Stadium would host the Second Elimination Final between the Sydney Swans and the GWS GIANTS on Saturday afternoon before the First Qualifying Final between Melbourne and the Brisbane Lions is played at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night. 

Meanwhile, the First Elimination Final between the Western Bulldogs and Essendon will be played on Sunday afternoon at University of Tasmania Stadium.

Mr Auld said the venue for each match has been determined in consultation with each host club and thanked the South Australian and Tasmanian Governments for their ongoing support.

"We thank the South Australian Government and Tasmanian Government for their commitment to finals football and we are excited for members and supporters in both states to attend the 2021 Toyota AFL Finals Series.

"It is the first time in the history of the AFL where finals matches will be played in Tasmania with two games in Week One of the Finals Series scheduled for UTAS Stadium in Launceston.

"The AFL, together with all teams participating in the Finals Series, have agreed to strict travel arrangements and other protocols as approved by respective State Governments.

"As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to make changes that best manage the current environment and we will work closely with respective State and Territory Governments, all AFL Clubs and other key stakeholders while ensuring the health and safety of the community remains paramount."

Premier of South Australia Steven Marshall said:

"The entire country knows Adelaide Oval is a world-class venue, and it’s absolutely fantastic that the AFL Final Series can be played in front of fans at our iconic oval. 

"Of course the health and safety of South Australians is always paramount - however - footy finals action is going to bring vibrancy and jobs into the Adelaide CBD when we need it the most."

Premier of Tasmania Peter Gutwein said:

"This is a momentous moment for Tasmanian footy fans, with our State set to host two AFL Elimination Finals.

"This is the first-time finals will be played in Tasmania and is a massive coup for our football-loving State."

Week Two of the Finals Series will see the loser of Melbourne vs. Brisbane Lions play the winner of Western Bulldogs v Essendon while the loser of Port Adelaide and Geelong Cats will play the winner of the Sydney Swans and the GWS GIANTS with venues and times for matches to be confirmed at the conclusion of Week One.

Match day ticket information for all games of Week One of the 2021 Toyota AFL Finals Series will be announced tomorrow, Monday August 22.