Round 23 of the 2026 Australian Football League season arrives with eight matches that could shape the final ladder positions. All clubs will be seeking to secure the points needed for a finals berth or to improve their seeding ahead of the postseason.
The round features a mixture of traditional rivalries and key fixtures that have already drawn strong interest from fans and bookmakers alike. Below is a detailed breakdown of the match-ups, likely team selections, injury updates and the current betting markets.
Match Schedule and Venues
The eight games are set for the weekend of Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21. The lineup is as follows:
• Brisbane Lions vs. Gold Coast Suns – Metricon Stadium, Friday night, 7:30 pm (AEST).
• Hawthorn Hawks vs. Richmond Tigers – MCG, Saturday, 10:10 pm (AEST).
• Greater Western Sydney Giants vs. Essendon Bombers – Marvel Stadium, Sunday, 1:30 pm (AEST).
• Collingwood Magpies vs. Carlton Blues – MCG, Saturday, 5:20 pm (AEST).
• Adelaide Crows vs. Port Adelaide Power – Adelaide Oval, Saturday, 9:40 pm (AEST).
• Geelong Cats vs. Western Bulldogs – GMHBA Stadium, Sunday, 3:20 pm (AEST).
• Melbourne Demons vs. Sydney Swans – MCG, Saturday, 7:10 pm (AEST).
• West Coast Eagles vs. Fremantle Dockers – Optus Stadium, Sunday, 5:10 pm (AEST).
Team News and Player Availability
Injury concerns remain the biggest variable across the round. Brisbane will be without midfielder Hugh McCluggage, who is listed as doubtful after a hamstring strain, while the Suns have a full list after their recent bye.
"We've got a clear plan for Friday night and we're sticking to it," said Brisbane Lions head coach Chris Fagan after the final training session on Thursday.
Richmond will be missing key forward Tom Lynch, ruled out with a shoulder issue, but they have several fit forwards available, including the returning Dion Prestia.
"The boys are hungry to bounce back after a tough loss," Richmond senior coach Damien Hardwick added in his pre‑match press conference on Saturday morning.
Betting Markets and Expert Tips
Bookmakers are offering close odds in several of the marquee games. The Hawthorn‑Richmond clash has the Tigers as slight favorites at 1.85, while the Lions‑Suns game sees Brisbane as a modest 1.70 favorite on the back of a strong home record.
AFL analyst James Maoue recommends backing the Western Bulldogs at 2.40 against Geelong, citing their recent defensive improvements and a favorable head‑to‑head record this season.
"If you're looking for value, the Western Bulldogs have the momentum to upset the Cats," Maoue explained during the Thursday night broadcast on AFL Live.