GREATER Western Sydney will have to wait to make its Friday night debut, with the AFL choosing to open round 23 with Adelaide's clash against West Coast.
The AFL announced on Friday afternoon its line-up for the final round of the season, which had been left as a floating fixture.
The Giants had lobbied to earn the prime time Friday night slot for their clash against North Melbourne, but will instead play on Saturday night.
The AFL said it had chosen to fixture the Crows' clash with the Eagles at Adelaide Oval on Friday night, given it involved two top-eight teams and was "likely to have significant impact on ladder positions before the finals".
The Giants' clash against the Kangaroos – also between two top-eight teams – was the AFL's second choice for Friday night.
It was instead scheduled for Saturday night to give North Melbourne a seven-day break after round 22.
The Kangaroos have had more six-day breaks than any other club this season, the League noted.
The other key matches in round 23 are Hawthorn's clash with Collingwood on Sunday afternoon at the MCG, which could determine whether the Hawks finish in the top two.
The Western Bulldogs face Fremantle on Sunday at Domain Stadium in what will likely be champion Docker Matthew Pavlich's farewell.
Friday August 26
Adelaide v West Coast at Adelaide Oval, 7.40pm ACST
Saturday August 27
Geelong v Melbourne at Simonds Stadium, 1.45pm AEST
Essendon v Carlton at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST
Sydney Swans v Richmond at the SCG, 4.35pm AEST
North Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium, 7.25pm AEST
Gold Coast v Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium, 7.25pm AEST
Sunday August 28
St Kilda v Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium, 1.10pm AEST
Fremantle v Western Bulldogs at Domain Stadium, 2.40pm AWST
Hawthorn v Collingwood at the MCG, 3.20pm AEST
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