The official dates and times of the Round 23 fixture have been released, with Port Adelaide hosting Essendon in what looms as an important clash for both sides on Friday, August 24.

Sydney host Hawthorn and Adelaide travel to Carlton in the two matches on Saturday night, while Melbourne's big clash with GWS is on Sunday at 3.20pm.

With the pre-finals bye still in effect, it gives all finals-bound sides enough rest before their September campaigns get underway.