Geelong's round 23 clash with Melbourne at Simonds Stadium will be played on the Saturday afternoon.

The announcement of the time and date for the game between the Cats and Demons was made public when the AFL unveiled the round 23 fixture on Tuesday.

The League has chosen to open the final round of the home and away season with Adelaide's clash against West Coast at the Adelaide Oval.

Greater Western Sydney had lobbied to earn the prime time Friday night slot for their clash against North Melbourne, but that game will instead be played on the Saturday night.

The AFL said it had chosen to fixture the Crows' clash with the Eagles at on the Friday night because 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 the 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 (Channel Seven)

Saturday August 27
Geelong v Melbourne at Simonds Stadium, 1.45pm (Channel Seven)
Essendon v Carlton at the MCG, 2.10pm (Foxtel / Fox Sports)
Sydney Swans v Richmond at the SCG, 4.35pm (Foxtel / Fox Sports)
North Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium, 7.25pm (Channel Seven)
Gold Coast v Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium, 7.25pm (Foxtel / Fox Sports) 

Sunday August 28
St Kilda v Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium, 1.10pm (Foxtel / Fox Sports)
Fremantle v Western Bulldogs at Domain Stadium, 2.40pm (Foxtel / Fox Sports)
Hawthorn v Collingwood at the MCG, 3.20pm (Channel Seven)