AFL release fixture details for Rounds 19 and 20

The AFL have released fixture details for Rounds 19 and 20 with the Grand Final rematch missing out on a primetime slot.

The form of the Tigers in recent weeks has seen them miss out on the coveted time slot of Friday night for their clash with Geelong. That game will now take place on Sunday July 25 at 1:45pm AEST.

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It's a welcomed change to recent fixturing which has seen some dull Friday night affairs scheduled despite the rolling fixture. As recently as last week we had Essendon host Adelaide on Friday night in a dour contest.

Port Adelaide will host Collingwood on Friday July 23 at Adelaide Oval with the Pies being rewarded for their more watchable brand of football in recent weeks.

Footy will return to the Northern Territory as the Gold Coast Suns take on Melbourne at TIO Stadium in Darwin, on Saturday July 24. The Sydney Swans will host Fremantle at their adopted home of GMHBA Stadium on Saturday, July 24 at 1:45pm AEST.

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Ballarat will get another dose of footy as the Western Bulldogs host Adelaide in Round 19. All but one game has been confirmed with GWS' clash with Port Adelaide still somewhat up in the air.

AFL Executive General Manager Clubs and Broadcasting Travis Auld said he was happy to be able to supply fans with more notice than had been the case in recent weeks.

“Releasing Rounds 19 and 20 now maximises the amount of time possible for our clubs to prepare and for fans to plan on attending the matches,” Auld said.

“We acknowledge it has been an extremely uncertain time around the country, and thank everyone in the football industry for being accommodating with the changes to ensure the season has kept rolling.

Auld said the league was thrilled to be able to get back up to the Northern Territory after they had to move games away earlier in the year.

“After disappointingly having to postpone our matches in the Territory earlier in the season, it is fantastic for the community in Darwin to be able to host a game this season, one that I know the locals are very excited to be able to attend," said Auld.

“As we near the conclusion of our home and away season we will continue to work closely with respective State and Territory Governments and adjust where needed but are hopeful the coming weeks can continue as scheduled.”

Round 20 will kick off with the Bombers hosting the Swans on Friday night footy with the Tigers again getting relegated to Sunday afternoon.

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The reigning premiers will travel to Perth to face the Dockers should all things remain as they are with border restrictions.

Geelong will travel to Tasmania to take on the Kangaroos at Blundstone Arena on Saturday July 31. That game will be followed by the Q Clash with the Lions hoping to host the Suns at the GABBA.