Round 23 of the 2024 AFL season begins with a huge clash between Essendon and Sydney at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
Keep up to date with all of the fixtures, games, news, tips, odds, results, reaction, and video as they come to hand.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
Essendon vs. Sydney Swans
Team news: The Bombers will welcome back Archie Perkins and Sam Weideman after prolonged stints in the VFL at the cost of concussion to Nik Cox and the omission of Aaron Davey jnr. Meanwhile, Corey Warner will replace his brother Chad after the Swans superstar was ruled out with a calf injury, and Robbie Fox will also miss Friday night's clash with a kidney injury. Defender Lewis Melican will return from a hamstring.
ESPN tip: Swans by 11 points
Result: Swans by 39 points.
Pointsbet odds: Bombers $2.50, Swans $1.53
Get your tips in now on the ESPNfootytips app!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
GWS Giants vs. Fremantle Dockers
Team news: The Giants will make three changes this week, including Stephen Coniglio making his much-anticipated return from a shoulder injury. Ruckman Kieran Briggs and Toby McMullin also come back into the side, with Xavier O'Halloran and Max Gruzewiski (both omitted), and Harvey Thomas (managed) all set to miss. The Dockers have recalled Nathan O'Driscoll and Liam Reidy at the expense of Matt Taberner and Karl Worner.
ESPN tip: Giants by 16 points
Pointsbet odds: Giants $1.50, Dockers $2.60
Gold Coast Suns vs. Melbourne
People First Stadium, 1:45pm (AEST)
Team news: The Dees will make one change after Clayton Oliver was ruled out for the season, with Jake Bowey to take his place on the Gold Coast. Alex Sexton has been squeezed out of the Suns' side this week to make way for star midfielder Touk Miller, who comes back from a long wrist injury layoff.
ESPN tip: Suns by 14 points
Pointsbet odds: Suns $1.50, Dees $2.60
Collingwood vs. Brisbane Lions
Team news: The Pies have made only one change this week, with last week's sub Joe Richards dropped for teammate Will Parker. Brisbane welcome back key forward Eric Hipwood and midfielder Harry Sharp in place of Jaxon Prior and Henry Smith, who have both been omitted.
ESPN tip: Lions by 18 points
Pointsbet odds: Magpies $2.35, Lions $1.60
Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide Crows
Team news: Unfortunately for the Power, key forward Todd Marshall has entered concussion protocols and will make way for Ryan Burton, who could be trialled forward. Adelaide welcome Lachlan Gollant into the side for Taylor Walker who underwent laser eye surgery during the week.
ESPN tip: Crows by 7 points
Pointsbet odds: Power $1.50, Crows $2.60
St Kilda vs. Geelong
Team news: Gary Rohan and Mitchell Knevitt have been named to face St Kilda as Tanner Bruhn is ruled out with concussion, with Zach Tuohy being managed. Meanwhile, the Saints welcome back Harry Garcia at the expense of Angus McLennan.
ESPN tip: Cats by 26 points
Pointsbet odds: Saints $2.60, Cats $1.50
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne
Team news: Bulldogs ruckman Tim English will miss this week with an ankle injury, while Nick Coffield and Riley Garcia have been omitted on the back of last week's loss to the Crows. Joel Freijah, Arthur Jones, Alex Keath, Jack Macrae and James O'Donnell have been named in the Bulldogs' extended squad. North Melbourne young gun Harry Sheezel has been ruled out due to an ankle injury. Dylan Stephens, Zac Fisher and George Wardlaw have been named after overcoming their respective injuries. Kallan Dawson has also found himself in the extended team for Sunday's game.
ESPN tip: Dogs by 34 points
Pointsbet odds: Dogs $1.08, Roos $8.00
Hawthorn vs. Richmond
Team news: Richmond has named Jack Ross, Matthew Coulthard and Jacob Blight in their extended squad. Meanwhile, Finn Maginness, Jai Serong and Josh Ward have been named in Harry Morrison's 100th game for the Hawks.
ESPN tip: Hawks by 38 points
Pointsbet odds: Hawks $1.10, Tigers $7.00
West Coast Eagles vs. Carlton
Team news: Several changes have been made for the Blues as their season hangs in the balance, with Adam Saad, Jack Martin, Jordan Boyd, Lachie Fogarty, Charlie Curnow, and Harry McKay all ruled out with injury. This makes way for two debutants -- Ashton Moir and Cooper Lord. Lewis Young, Jaxon Binns, Jack Carroll, and Corey Durdin have also been named in Carlton's extended squad. The Eagles have named Harry Edwards, Jack Petruccelle and Jack Hutchinson in their team this week.
ESPN tip: Blues by 18 points
Pointsbet odds: Eagles $1.85, Blues $1.95