The AFL have released the fixture for Round 23, with the heavyweight clash between Carlton and Collingwood scheduled for the 3:20 pm free-to-air time slot on Sunday, August 21.

The game is set to have finals-series ramifications, as Collingwood currently holds a spot in the top-four after their post-siren victory over Essendon last weekend, while Carlton sits seventh and is also challenging for a second-chance position.

Brisbane will host Melbourne at the Gabba to kick the round off on Friday night, with St Kilda and Sydney clashing at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon to close out the home and away season on a blockbuster day for five current finals contenders.

Essendon vs Richmond have been handed the first Saturday night slot, with the other filled by the Showdown at Adelaide Oval.

Round 23 will take place over the weekend of August 19-21, with finals football kicking off on Friday, September 2.

FULL ROUND 23 FIXTURE - All times AEST

Friday August 19

Brisbane v Melbourne, Gabba โ€“ 7:50pm

Saturday August 20

GWS Giants v Fremantle, Manuka Oval โ€“ 1:45pm

North Melbourne v Gold Coast Suns, Marvel Stadium โ€“ 2:10pm

Geelong v West Coast, GMHBA Stadium โ€“ 4:35pm

Essendon v Richmond, MCG โ€“ 7:25pm

Port Adelaide v Adelaide, Adelaide Oval โ€“ 7:30pm

Sunday August 21

Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs, University of Tasmania Stadium โ€“ 1:10pm

Carlton v Collingwood, MCG โ€“ 3:20pm

St Kilda v Sydney, Marvel Stadium โ€“ 4:40pm