SYDNEY'S potentially pivotal clash with Hawthorn is unlikely to be scheduled for Friday night when the AFL reveals the final details of the round 23 fixture early next week.
Instead, it is expected that either Port Adelaide's game with Essendon at Adelaide Oval, or Fremantle's clash with Collingwood at Optus Stadium, will be the most likely contenders for the primetime fixture.
Sydney's encounter with modern rivals Hawthorn is the marquee match-up in the final round of games, and has long been seen as the most likely candidate for the high-profile broadcast slot.
But it is believed the AFL will avoid adding to Sydney's heavy run of shorter breaks, with the Swans already hit with eight six-day turnarounds this season.
Sydney plays GWS on a Saturday evening in what shapes as a mini-final in round 22.
The exact details of the floating fixture are not set in stone, with the outcome of key games with finals implications this weekend likely to dictate how round 23 is structured.
Essendon's match against Sydney on Friday night, Richmond's meeting with Collingwood on Saturday and North Melbourne's clash with West Coast on Sunday are among the games this weekend that could change how the League decides to fixture round 23.
The likelihood of Richmond already being assured top spot going into the final round of games, as well as a reluctance to give Carlton another Friday night fixture despite taking on Adelaide, could leave the AFL with few options.
Therefore, it's expected the Port Adelaide-Essendon game, or the Fremantle-Collingwood match, will be the most likely candidates for round 23's Friday night fixture.
Despite the chance both sides could be battling for their place in September, Melbourne's potentially crucial round 23 encounter with GWS is expected to be scheduled on the Saturday afternoon. Geelong's meeting with Gold Coast could fall into a similar timeslot.
Potentially complicating matters for the AFL is that, as things stand, at least one side in finals contention will play in all nine matches across the final round.
The AFL has been contacted for comment.
ROUND 23 GAMES
Carlton v Adelaide at Etihad Stadium
Geelong v Gold Coast at GMHBA Stadium
Richmond v Western Bulldogs at the MCG
Sydney v Hawthorn at the SCG
Brisbane v West Coast at the Gabba
St Kilda v North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium
Melbourne v GWS Giants at the MCG
Port Adelaide v Essendon at the Adelaide Oval
Fremantle v Collingwood at Optus Stadium
