THE STAKES are rising with only two rounds remaining for teams to jostle for a double chance, a critical top-six finish and the last spot in the wildcard round.

Fremantle will be out to seal the minor premiership when the ladder leader opens the round against Adelaide on Friday night, before Brisbane aims to tighten its grip on a top-four place when it hosts heated rivals Gold Coast the following day.  

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Hawthorn needs to bounce back from a thumping defeat when it meets an in-form Collingwood on Saturday night, while Western Bulldogs and Carlton meet on Sunday in a clash that could have huge ramifications for the wildcard spots. 

Here is who and what to look out for across round 23 as well as a tip for each match.

Fremantle v Adelaide, Optus Stadium
Friday, August 14, 6.10pm AWST

Last time: Fremantle 11.12 (78) d Adelaide 11.10 (76), R4 2026

What it means

Fremantle (18-3) lost few admirers as it played out one of the games of the year against Melbourne but the nailbiting defeat means the ladder leader is yet to clinch the minor premiership. A victory over the Crows would be enough to lock in a first-place finish though the Dockers will be as concerned with tightening up a defence that just leaked its highest score for the season with the finals in sight.

Adelaide (14-7) missed an opportunity to boost its percentage with a tense win in the wet against Richmond but can still snatch a top-four finish by overtaking Brisbane or Hawthorn on the run home. The Crows will have to overturn a poor recent record against the Dockers with only one victory in their past seven meetings while they have never beaten the ladder leaders at their current home in Perth.

Game shapers

Luke Ryan has had to deal with spending time on the outer during the Dockers’ rise to the top of the ladder before returning to the side and rediscovering some of his better form in recent weeks. The 30-year-old has been able to turn to his experience and his intercepting weapons on the run home to average six rebound 50s a game in the past six weeks on the way to reaching 200 matches.

Izak Rankine hit rare air with a dazzling performance against the Tigers as he gathered 36 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 11 clearances and a goal in the wet. The 26-year-old looks intent on having a big say on this year’s finals series after missing the last campaign through suspension as he has averaged 28.7 disposals and 7.2 clearances over six matches while playing more in the midfield.

Early tip: Fremantle by 11 points

Richmond v St Kilda, MCG
Saturday, August 15, 12.35pm AEST

Last time: St Kilda 16.13 (109) d Richmond 11.7 (73), R10 2026

What it means

Richmond (3-18) backed up its rousing victory against West Coast with a brave display in the wet to give top-four contender Adelaide a huge scare before falling narrowly short. The Tigers paid the price for some wayward kicking for goal but with improvements in their efforts around the contest they could continue to push for an encouraging end to a tough season against the undermanned Saints.

St Kilda (9-12) missed an opportunity to put one foot in the wildcard places as it was unable to overcome injuries to key players and was beaten by Carlton in a crunch clash. The Saints’ finals hopes are now out of their own hands but with a pair of matches to come against bottom-half sides Richmond and Gold Coast, they are well-placed to finish the season with a couple of wins.

Game shapers

Tom Lynch has had to embrace a new role as the leader of an emerging Tigers attack where his ability to create a contest and bring the ball to ground is as important as the number of goals he kicks. The two-time premiership player might be in the twilight of his career at the age of 33 but remains the focal point of a young forward group and has booted 16 goals this year as he reaches 250 matches.

Jack Higgins could be called on for his X-factor as well as his goalkicking threat as the Saints search for a spark in the absence of some key players with no margin for error left in their chase a wildcard place. The 27-year-old worked hard to rise to the occasion against the Blues but will want to improve on the 1.4 he kicked in the crunch clash after being more reliable this year while booting 28 goals.

Early tip: St Kilda by 37 points

North Melbourne v Geelong, Marvel Stadium
Saturday, August 15, 3.45pm AEST

Last time: Geelong 21.9 (135) d North Melbourne 13.8 (86), R8 2026

What it means

North Melbourne (9-12) snapped a hoodoo and finally claimed a big scalp when it stunned Western Bulldogs but now faces the longest losing streak in the competition as it comes up against Geelong. The Kangaroos have lost their past 15 matches against the Cats by an average of 49 points but they can now turn to improved recent form as they seek a win to keep their faint finals hopes alive.

Geelong (13-8) continued doing all that it can to climb back into the top six for the first time in six weeks as it brushed aside Essendon for a fourth consecutive win. The Cats need other results to go for them to avoid the wildcard round but with games to come against North Melbourne and Essendon they are well-placed to enter the finals on a strong run of form. 

Game shapers

George Wardlaw plays the game with an intensity that few can match and put in one of his most eye-catching performances yet when he returned to the side to inspire the Kangaroos to a breakthrough victory against the Dogs. The 22-year-old has battled hamstring issues throughout his career but his importance to the Roos is highlighted by them winning five of the last seven matches he has played. 

Bailey Smith is never one to shy away from the spotlight but has unusually been quietly going about his business as he puts together another superb season. The 25-year-old is averaging a career-high 32.2 disposals that is also the second-highest in the competition but it is his impact at the coalface that is arguably standing out more than ever as he has gathered 5.8 clearances a game for the Cats. 

Early tip: Geelong by 13 points

Brisbane v Gold Coast, Gabba
Saturday, August 15, 4.15pm AEST

Last time: Brisbane 15.16 (106) d Gold Coast 11.9 (75), R13 2026

What it means

Brisbane (14-7) bounced back from a humiliating defeat to Carlton in emphatic style as it blew away Hawthorn to remind the competition that it remains a side to be feared as the stakes rise. The Lions' thumping victory against the Hawks gave them a healthy percentage boost that was enough to climb back into the top four but they now have no margin for error as they face their arch rivals the Suns.

Gold Coast (8-13) might be out of the running for a wildcard spot after a dismal second-half of the season but showed that it can still shake up the finals race with a rare victory against GWS. The Suns might now have little more to play for than pride and laying down a marker for next year but could put a huge dent in their bitter rivals’ hopes for a top-four finish with an upset win against the Lions.

Game shapers

Kai Lohmann has hit career-best form at the right time of year for the Lions as he becomes a powerful one-two punch alongside Charlie Cameron. The 23-year-old has booted 22 goals in the past six matches to sit alongside his veteran teammate on 46 majors for the year and the second-most in the competition from a small forward while the Lions add to their weapons in attack.

Wil Powell has enjoyed a consistent season even while the Suns' finals hopes have faded during a horror second half of the year as he remains one of their main connectors between defence and attack. The 26-year-old has stepped up with the Suns under siege to average a career-high 3.8 tackles a game though his drive from defence is just as important as he reaches 150 matches.

Early tip: Brisbane by 31 points

Hawthorn v Collingwood, MCG
Saturday, August 15, 7.40pm AEST

Last time: Collingwood 15.3 (93) drew with Hawthorn 13.15 (93), R8 2026

What it means

Hawthorn (14-1-6) missed an opportunity to prove its premiership credentials and saw its top-two hopes all but disappear as it was hammered by Brisbane in a reality check for its standing against the leading teams. The Hawks are now 2-4 this season against the current top-six sides but can lock in a double chance with wins in both of their games to come against Collingwood and West Coast.

Collingwood (12-1-8) clinched its finals spot with a hard-fought win against West Coast that was its seventh in its eight matches as it continued a second-half of the season surge. The Magpies could enter the finals in ominous form if they can pull off a pair of victories against the Hawks and Lions but would still need other results to fall their way to avoid the wildcard round. 

Game shapers

James Sicily has continued to marshal the Hawks’ defence even while enjoying an up and down season personally but will want to rediscover his best during the run home as his side tunes up for a finals campaign. The co-captain lowered his colours during the loss to the Lions with only two marks alongside his 18 disposals but will be out to bounce back as he celebrates a 200-game milestone.

Billy Frampton was once an unheralded piece of the Magpies’ defensive puzzle but has become critical to their return to form this season while being a mainstay in an injury-ravaged back half. The 29-year-old has locked down on the opposition’s most dangerous forwards for years but has crucially got even better at turning defence into attack with his ability to take intercept marks. 

Early tip: Hawthorn by 19 points

Port Adelaide v Melbourne, Adelaide Oval
Saturday, August 15, 7.40pm ACST

Last time: Port Adelaide 14.9 (93) d Melbourne 9.14 (68), R14 2025

What it means

Port Adelaide (6-15) barely gave a whimper after a bright start against Sydney as it went on to be thrashed by 97 points in its worst performance of coach Josh Carr’s first season in charge. The Power have lost five straight matches as injuries to key players take their toll but they can lay a foundation for next season with a better display against the Demons before facing the Bombers in the last round.

Melbourne (14-7) continued to push for a top-four finish and proved it is genuine premiership threat with a stunning victory over Fremantle in arguably the game of the year. The Demons piled on the highest score against the Dockers all season and passed 100 points for the fourth time in six matches with their blistering style enough to strike fear in any opposition let alone the undermanned Power.

Game shapers

Aliir Aliir has continued to stand tall in defence even while the Power have faced a mounting injury crisis but can expect to be under siege this week with the Demons among the heaviest scoring sides in the competition. The 31-year-old can turn to another fine season and a career-high average of 8.1 marks a game as he aims to cut off opposition attacks in the air while he reaches 200 matches.

Kade Chandler has become an increasingly important cog in the Demons’ machine whether lining up at half-forward and on a wing, or spending more time in the engine room. The 26-year-old is averaging career-highs for 15.3 disposals, 4.4 tackles, 3.7 inside 50s and two clearances a game as he takes his game to a new level on the way to reaching 100 matches.

Early tip: Melbourne by 34 points

Greater Western Sydney v West Coast, Engis Stadium
Sunday, August 16, 1.40pm AEST

Last time: West Coast 13.10 (88) d Greater Western Sydney 10.11 (71), R10 2026

What it means

GWS (9-12) continued its rollercoaster season as Gold Coast snapped its own 10-match losing streak when the two sides played out a cliffhanger last week. The Giants look destined to end the season wondering what could have been with their finals destiny now out of their own hands with even back-to-back wins against the Eagles and Crows not certain to be enough to snatch a wildcard spot.

West Coast (4-17) went some way to bouncing back from a disappointing defeat to Richmond with an improved performance against Collingwood even if it failed to snap its own nine-match losing streak. The Eagles need one more victory to match their best record in the past five seasons in 2024 with the game against the Giants looking most likely for a win before facing the Hawks in the last round.

Game shapers

Toby Greene has maintained his high standards during the second half of the season even while dealing with speculation over his future and trying to lead the Giants to remain in the wildcard race. The 32-year-old has booted 22 goals in his past nine matches while also spending considerable time in the midfield and can be back to lift further with his side’s season on the line. 

Tim Kelly continues to play a critical role with the Eagles even as the baton is passed to an emerging midfield with his versatility to play forward, on the outside or in the engine room important to their set up. The 32-year-old is still averaging 23.6 disposals and 4.6 clearances while his kicking into the forward half from 4.8 inside 50s a game is a valuable weapon for a rebuilding side. 

Early tip: GWS by 23 points

Western Bulldogs v Carlton, Marvel Stadium
Sunday, August 16, 3.15pm AEST

Last time: Carlton 10.14 (74) d Western Bulldogs 9.8 (62), R10 2026

What it means

Western Bulldogs (12-9) locked in a wildcard spot even as it suffered a shock defeat to North Melbourne before other results fell its way but continues to show all the hallmarks of a middle-of-the-road team. The Dogs dropped to ninth spot with back-to-back losses to the Roos and Dockers but will be eager to avoid sliding further and below the red-hot Blues in a matchup that could shape the finals.

Carlton (11-10) took a huge step towards securing a wildcard spot with a clinical victory in a crunch clash against St Kilda but still has little margin for error with a pair of challenging games to come. The Blues need at least one more win from their remaining games against the Bulldogs and Dockers to lock in a finals place but could leapfrog Luke Beveridge’s side into ninth spot this week.

Game shapers

Marcus Bontempelli has had another outstanding season to lead the Bulldogs back into finals but has failed to have his usual impact in recent weeks. The Dogs skipper has had only four clearances in his side’s pair of defeats to the Roos and Dockers, but can expect to spend more time back in the engine room against the Blues as the two teams jostle for a more appealing wildcard round matchup.

Oliver Florent has put a disappointing end to his nine-year stint with the Swans behind him to return to form in his first season with the Blues as he has averaged a career-high 21.9 disposals and 4.9 rebound 50s a game. The 28-year-old has been integral to the Blues’ shock rise under interim coach Josh Fraser with his dash and dare out of the back half helping to change the way the side plays.

Early tip: Carlton by nine points

Essendon v Sydney, MCG
Sunday, August 16, 4.40pm AEST

Last time:  Sydney 9.14 (68) d Essendon 7.12 (54), R21 2025

What it means

Essendon (2-19) looked like a side that has little to play for this season as it quickly conceded the first 10 goals of the match against Geelong before being more competitive from there. The Bombers have shown this season that they can stay in games for longer when they bring their better pressure and intensity but will need to be switched on from the start to avoid being blown away by the Swans.

Sydney (16-5) moved to within one win of a top-two finish and the guarantee of a pair of home finals as it demolished Port Adelaide for its third victory by more than 90 points this season. The Swans could add to that competition-leading record of dishing out regular thumpings as they fine-tune for the finals with a clash against the bottom-placed Bombers before facing the Kangaroos.

Game shapers

Jye Caldwell has had a difficult season much like most of his Bombers teammates but underlined his importance to a young midfield group while battling away in the defeat against the Cats. The 25-year-old leads the way for his side with an average of 5.1 tackles a game and set the tone with nine tackles against the Cats to help prevent the Bombers suffering another humiliating loss. 

Jai Serong has proven to be one of the bargain pickups of the year as he has filled a useful role on a wing and in defence for the Swans before adding more strings to his bow in recent weeks. The 23-year-old spent more time in the engine room during the rollicking victory over the Power to finish with 24 disposals, 11 tackles, three clearances and a goal as his side builds more onball depth for finals.

Early tip: Sydney by 68 points

AND SOMEHOW, Carlton has done the seemingly impossible.

Under the guidance of interim coach Josh Fraser, the Blues have confirmed a wildcard position with a round to play, following a dramatic draw with the Western Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon.

BULLDOGS v BLUES Full match coverage and stats

Captain Patrick Cripps put the side on his back, leading the 12.10 (82) stalemate under the Marvel Stadium roof, as he finished with 33 disposals and 12 clearances out of the middle.

His midfield proteges Sam Walsh (33 disposals, 318 metres gained) and Jagga Smith (25 disposals, six inside 50s) flanked him, pulling the Blues back up every time it looked as if the Bulldogs had landed the crucial blow.

In a see-sawing encounter at Marvel Stadium, the Blues trialled by seven points with six minutes remaining, with a Bulldogs win to leave Fraser's side needing to beat Fremantle next week to guarantee finals.

A Dogs win would have also kept St Kilda and Greater Western Sydney alive heading into the final round of the season.

But the Blues rallied with a behind from Ben Ainsworth and then a goal through Francis Evans that levelled the scores with less than three minutes remaining.

And despite some nervous moments late, the Blues held on for a draw that leaves them six points clear of the chasing pack with one round remaining.

It is the second draw in less than 24 hours after Hawthorn and Collingwood finished all square at the MCG on Saturday night.

Early on, the Bulldogs were hurt around stoppage, and warning bells were ringing with both Marcus Bontempelli and Tim English out of the side. But it was Ed Richards (31 disposals, six clearances, two goals) who donned the cape to wrench it back the Dogs' way, moving with power out of the contest and remaining involved in passages as they moved down the ground.

Tom Liberatore also came to the party with 12 clearances and 33 disposals, doing his usual grunt work to release the likes of Joel Freijah and Ryley Sanders on the outside.

The home side lived in its attack for large swathes of the game, and while in the second term it capitalised on that territory, recording four goals to Carlton's one, in the third it lacked some finishing.

It was quick, ground level players who were able to do the damage for the Bulldogs, positioning themselves well and applying a heap of pressure within goal scoring range.

In his first game captaining the club, Aaron Naughton had a tough day. It wasn't always the fault of his own – some of the Dogs' choices going inside 50 didn't give him the best of chances – but his capacity to convert in front of goal was limited, recording three behinds for the afternoon.

Nick Haynes' sweet patch of form continued, with 26 disposals and 12 intercept possessions, and Harry Dean's aggression was channelled well to record eight intercepts and seven marks. The pair jelled well with the returning Jacob Weitering, who didn't miss a beat on his first game since round 12.

And at the other end of the ground, Carlton's talls caused some headaches for the Dogs' defence. Harry McKay (two goals), Mitch McGovern (one) and Brodie Kemp (one) effectively worked together, creating leading space for one another and separating the Dogs' keys.

They were assisted by the midfield's willingness to move laterally around the forward 50 arc before going for the money kick inside.

The subplot of the match was the head-to-head battle between young Blues defender Wilson and dynamic Dogs forward Arty Jones. The pair traded blows all afternoon – Jones with his clean gathers and ground speed, Wilson with his tackle pressure and rebounding ability.

Blues fume at pivotal call
In the tense final quarter, the Blues were up by six points but the Dogs were surging. Running down the wing, Jordan Croft was caught in a tackle, but released the footy. Legally? Not according to Carlton fans. It ultimately resulted in a goal to Rhylee West to equal things up, but on replay, it looked like a certain throw, irritating the vocal Blues crowd.

Hayward's frequent flyer points
Will Hayward is known for his capacity to fly at the ball, and protect it on its way down, but there aren't too many Hayward highlights better than his fly over Ryley Sanders in the third quarter. One-out against the young Bulldog, Hayward leapt and kept climbing to take what very well could be Mark of the Year. Unfortunately for the Blue, he hurt his ankle on the landing, and while the adrenaline was high enough for him to kick truly for his third goal, he immediately came from the ground in lieu of celebrating and went straight to the rooms with the club doctor. He spent the better part of the second half trying to convince the medical staff he was able to play on, and after a brief return to the field, he was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Fire on the siren
On the cusp of the half-time siren, the Western Bulldogs were pressing forward for yet another inside 50 after a four-goal quarter. Arty Jones was there to swoop on the ground ball, and key back Harry Dean swung an arm in an attempt to tackle the Bulldog. Clumsily, he caught Jones in the face, with all in the stadium anticipating a high free kick to be paid, but the wrong-sided umpire called for play on, and Dean leapt to lock Jones down in a tackle, ultimately winning a holding the ball free kick. The siren went as the skirmish was wrapping up, and Dean had some words to Jones, triggering a melee between the sides before they split to head into their respective rooms. Amidst it all, Rory Lobb and Will Hayward shared some words loudly from afar, still throwing barbs as they moved to their separate races.

WESTERN BULLDOGS      3.2    7.4    9.8   12.10 (82)
CARLTON                      5.3    6.5    10.7   12.10 (82)

GOALS 
Western Bulldogs: Freijah 2, Richards 2, Davidson, Jones, Weightman, Croft, L.Kennedy, Dolan, Williams, West
Carlton: Hayward 3, McKay 2, Evans 2, McGovern, Lord, Pittonet, Acres, Kemp

BEST 
Western Bulldogs: Richards, Liberatore, Hynes, Sellwood, Freijah
Carlton: Cripps, Smith, Walsh, McKay, Pittonet, Haynes

INJURIES 
Western Bulldogs: Nil
Carlton: Hayward (right ankle)

Crowd: 44,106 at Marvel Stadium