GEELONG has been crowned the 2019 AFL minor premiers after finishing on top of the ladder at the conclusion of the home and away season.

The Cats will face off against the Pies in the first qualifying final on Friday 6 September at the MCG.

It will be the first September meeting between the two sides since the memorable 2011 Grand Final.  

Week 1 Toyota AFL Finals Series

Thursday, September 5

First elimination final 
West Coast v Essendon at Optus Stadium, 6.10pm AWST

Friday, September 6

First qualifying final 
Geelong v Collingwood at the MCG, 7.50pm AEST 

Saturday, September 7

Second elimination final 
Greater Western Sydney v Western Bulldogs at Giants Stadium, 3.20pm AEST 

Second qualifying final 
Brisbane v Richmond at the Gabba, 7.25pm AEST


AFL general manager of clubs and broadcasting Travis Auld said the AFL was seeking to ensure fans are able to attend or watch all finals live, as well as balancing equitable day-breaks where possible for all clubs.

He said the AFL had again chosen to open the finals with a Thursday night match, after the success in recent years in this timeslot with both attendance and television viewership.

The winner of the Eagles-Bombers clash will play the loser of the Cats-Pies blockbuster in week two.  

For those sides grouped on the other half of the finals draw, the winner of the Giants-Dogs clash will face the loser of the Lions-Tigers battle.

Using this fixturing model, all clubs who play in week two of the finals will have at least a seven-day break from week one into their next match.