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.
5Round 23
Fremantle vs Brisbane
Optus Stadium will be treated to one of the more underrated rivalries within the AFL landscape currently, as Lachie Neale takes on his former club in a match that could change the positioning inside the top eight significantly.
Despite Brisbane being a top-four regular since the turn of the decade and Fremantle featuring in the post-season once in that time, the sides have traded wins since 2022 with an average margin of 22 points. Three of those contests have been played in WA, with Brisbane's most recent win there coming in Round 21, 2023.
A win for Brisbane would legitimise their premiership status, with Optus becoming a cauldron for the Dockers, losing only two games there this season by an average margin of 8.5 points.
If Fremantle win, that could be enough to hold a spot in the eight and potentially earn them a home final, something that could massively help extend their stay in September.
So you DONT think the Crows v Pies in rnd 23 shape the 8!
OMG – do you even know about footy outside Victoria??