Round 23 of the AFL season gets underway with a Friday night double-header as Essendon host St Kilda, before a blockbuster clash between Fremantle and Brisbane takes place at Optus Stadium.
Keep up to date with all of the fixtures, games, team news, tips, odds, results, reaction, and video as they come to hand.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15
Essendon vs. St Kilda
Team news: Essendon has confirmed skipper Zach Merrett will miss Friday night's clash with the Saints after undergoing surgery on a fracture in his hand, while Dylan Shiel has been suspended. Kyle Langford returns, as does Saad El-Hawli and debutant Rhys Unwin. For the Saints, Alex Dodson will play his first game, joining Tobie Travaglia and Lance Collard in the team, replacing Hunter Clark (injured), and omitted duo Liam Henry and Max Heath.
ESPN tip: Saints by 23 points
Pointsbet odds: Bombers $4.00, Saints $1.27
Get your tips in now on the ESPNfootytips app!
Fremantle vs. Brisbane
Team news: Corey Wagner comes into the side this week after recovering from heel soreness, replacing Isaiah Dudley. Brisbane have made four changes for the crunch clash, with Ryan Lester, Brandon Starcevich, Sam Day, and debutant Luke Beeckon all coming in for Tom Doedee, Henry Smith, Deven Robertson, and Will McLachlan.
ESPN tip: Dockers by 5 points
Pointsbet odds: Freo $1.77, Lions $2.05
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
Gold Coast vs. GWS
People First Stadium, 12:35pm [AEST]
Team news: Giants spearhead Jesse Hogan continues to manage a foot issue and won't return this week, while former Bomber Jake Stringer has another hamstring injury and is back on the sidelines. Jacob Wehr comes into the team. The Suns have made two changes, with Alex Sexton and Sam Flanders replacing injured pair Malcolm Rosas and Bailey Humphrey.
ESPN tip: Suns by 9 points
Pointsbet odds: Suns $1.50, Giants $2.60
Carlton vs. Port Adelaide
Team news: In great news for Blues fans, Sam Walsh will return after battling a foot issue. Meanwhile, the Power have made one change, with Jack Lukosius (calf) being replaced by Lachie Jones.
ESPN tip: Blues by 12 points
Pointsbet odds: Blues $1.50, Power $2.60
Hawthorn vs. Melbourne
Team news: Hawthorn will go in unchanged after a big win last week, but the Dees have made two changes, with Steven May returning and Harry Sharp named to replace Jed Adams (omitted) and Caleb Windsor (injured).
ESPN tip: Hawks by 26 points
Pointsbet odds: Hawks $1.31, Dees $3.40
Adelaide vs. Collingwood
Team news: Adelaide will regain veteran forward Taylor Walker after he was managed against the Eagles. Harry Schoenberg, Lachlan Murphy, and Brodie Smith also come in, but Rory Laird has been suspended for one game and will miss. For the Magpies, Jeremy Howe will miss through concussion, and Bobby Hill has been left out, as has Tom Mitchell, but Beau McCreery (hamstring) returns.
ESPN tip: Crows by 13 points
Pointsbet odds: Crows $1.42, Magpies $2.90
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17
North Melbourne vs. Richmond
Team news: North has added five players to its extended squad; Matt Whitlock, Will Phillips Taylor Goad, Jy Simpkin, and Paul Curtis. For the Tigers, Luke Trainor, Josh Gibcus, and Jacob Koschitzke are in line to return.
ESPN tip: Roos by 19 points
Pointsbet odds: Roos $1.56, Tigers $2.45
Sydney vs. Geelong
Team news: Sydney has confirmed ruckman Brodie Grundy has entered concussion protocols and will miss this week's match against Geelong, who will also be forced into a change after Jack Henry was subbed out with a hamstring injury in the Round 22 win over the Bombers. Chris Scott will also welcome back livewire Jack Martin after he was a late out last week.
ESPN tip: Cats by 17 points
Pointsbet odds: Swans $3.00, Cats $1.40
On the ESPN Footy Podcast, Jake Michaels believes Geelong is primed to win the flag, taking into a number of factors including personnel both on and off the field
Western Bulldogs vs. West Coast
Team news: In exciting news for Bulldogs fans, the club has announced the debut of young tall Jordan Croft.
ESPN tip: Bulldogs by 62 points
Pointsbet odds: Bulldogs $1.01, Eagles $17.00