The 2025 season has passed the three-quarter mark, and as the final stretch of the season approaches, AFL fans are being spoiled with a number of season-defining clashes.
Whether it's a top-of-the-table clash in Round 21 or a potential "wildcard" game in Round 24, the AFL has truly saved some of its best fixtures for last.
We've picked the ten games that will have a massive say on September's outlook.
3Round 21
Western Bulldogs vs GWS
The Bulldogs are on the outside of the eight, looking in and could very well still be in that position when this fixture kicks off at Marvel Stadium on Thursday, July 31, playing Brisbane and Essendon in the next two weeks.
That would make this clash a must-win for the Bulldogs, as a loss could see them needing to rely on other results to go their way if they wish to make a last-gasp entrance into September.
As for the Giants, a win could set them up for a launch into the top four, or at the very least, nail their position inside the top eight with two bottom-four sides in the final three weeks of the season.
The Giants and Dogs have become a modern-day rivalry, and this serves as another chapter to their growing book of classics.
Adelaide vs Hawthorn
The Hawks' season is on a knife's edge at the moment, with senior coach Sam Mitchell calling their fourth-quarter collapse to Fremantle a "punch in the stomach". This clash with Adelaide will be the first of three contests against the current top four teams in the final month of the season for Hawthorn.
There's plenty at stake in this one in particular. The last time this pair met, the Hawks stole victory controversially from Adelaide in Tasmania, a thrilling second-half comeback win in terrible conditions. The Crows will be seeking vengeance for a game they feel they should have won.
Unbelievably, Hawthorn have not won outside of Victoria or Tasmania since their Opening Round win against Sydney. You have to go back to Round 20 last year for their last win at Adelaide Oval, their only win at the ground since 2022.
With the Crows flying high and the Hawks vulnerable, a loss could be the uppercut that ends Hawthorn's premiership hopes. A win, however, would likely give the Hawks a third consecutive win and set them up for a tilt at a top-four spot - and plenty of momentum for games to come against Collingwood and Brisbane.
Collingwood vs Brisbane
When August 2 arrives, the AFL may be looking at a top-of-the-table clash for the ages. A rematch of the 2023 Grand Final, two teams at full strength and potentially a 2025 Grand Final preview, this fixture will have everything on offer.
Collingwood's hold on top spot could be in jeopardy with a loss, but a win would almost guarantee the minor premiership and every bit of confidence that they would be unstoppable in September. Having smashed Brisbane by 52 points earlier in the year at the Gabba, they'll be hopeful to see a repeat of that night.
However, since breaking their MCG hoodoo in 2024, the Lions have been dominant at the venue and have beaten the likes of Hawthorn and Geelong there and, of course, won a premiership. A win here would, at the very least, put Brisbane on the same pedestal as Collingwood in the premiership conversation.
So you DONT think the Crows v Pies in rnd 23 shape the 8!
OMG – do you even know about footy outside Victoria??