The fixture for the final round of the 2017 AFL season has been released, with the league granting Hawthorn's request to play the Western Bulldogs on Friday Night.
The Hawks asked the AFL for the Friday Night fixture so they could farewell club champion Luke Hodge while it could also turn into a farewell for Bulldogs skipper Bob Murphy should the reigning premiers fail to make the finals.
Geelong host Greater Western Sydney at Simonds Stadium on Saturday night in what will be the match of the round and a possible preview to week one of the finals.
Sunday's matches should also prove vital in the race for the finals, with all three games set to have a bearing on the top eight positions.
Essendon host Fremantle in a game that could see the Bombers fighting for the eighth spot on the ladder, while Richmond host St Kilda at the MCG in a match that could determine the Tigers' top four spot.
One of the biggest games of the round is the final match of the regular season, as West Coast host Adelaide in a match both sides can't afford to lose.
The Eagles, who currently sit in eighth, may face a 'win or go home' scenario, while the Crows could be playing for the minor premiership, or at worst a home final.
