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AFL finals 2023: Match information, fixtures, results

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Collingwood's Bobby Hill. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The 2023 AFL finals are upon us. The matches, dates and times for week 1 of the finals series have been locked in.

2023 AFL finals series

Week 1

First qualifying final: Collingwood 9.6 (60) def Melbourne 7.11 (53) at the MCG

The 2023 finals series could hardly have started in more dramatic fashion, when within minutes of the opening bounce Demons midfielder Angus Brayshaw was knocked out by Brayden Maynard while the Magpies defender was attempting to smother.

From there, a combination of horrid Dees kicking and desperate Pies defending meant despite a 69-37 inside 50 differential, the minor premiers were able to cling on, taking a 25-point lead into three quarter time that a last-quarter Demons fightback could only reduce to seven by the final siren.

The win gives the Magpies a home preliminary final and ensures they won’t have to leave the MCG to win the premiership; for the Demons, it’s a long road back, with one of Carlton or Sydney next week before an interstate trip to take on the winner of Brisbane’s Saturday night clash with Port Adelaide.

First elimination final: Carlton 11.8 (74) def Sydney Swans 9.14 (68) at the MCG

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Carlton secured victory in their first final since 2013, holding off a fast-finishing Sydney in another September classic.

The Blues led by as much as 30 points early in the third quarter after a scintillating first half, but the Swans hit back ferociously with a five-goal third quarter to draw within striking distance, only to fall heartbreakingly short in a clash that went right down to the wire.

The Blues’ victory was soured by a suspected concussion for Harry McKay, as well as a possible suspension for small forward Jack Martin, which could rule the pair out for their semi-final clash with Melbourne.

Second elimination final: St Kilda 11.11 (77) def by GWS Giants 15.11 (101) at the MCG

The Giants’ stunning first season under Adam Kingsley continued, storming the MCG to record an excellent victory over a gallant but outmatched St Kilda.

Twice getting out to seven-goal leads in the second and third quarters, the Giants had to contend with repeat Saints rallies as their lead ballooned back and forth, but three goals from Jake Riccardi and 36 disposals from Tom Green were enough to drag the AFL’s newest club to the second week of the finals, where they will face either Brisbane or Port Adelaide.

Second qualifying final: Brisbane Lions 19.9 (123) def Port Adelaide 11.9 (75) at the Gabba

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After a tight first half, the Lions put a wounded Power to the sword with a monstrous second half to book a home preliminary final, and continue their unbeaten season at their Gabba fortress.

Led by five goals from Joe Daniher and three each from Cam Rayner and Jaspa Fletcher, the Lions secured the most emphatic and impressive win of the first week of finals, instilling themselves right alongside Collingwood for flag favouritism.

The Power’s loss was compounded by an apparent hamstring injury to half-back Dylan Williams, while key defender Trent McKenzie was also hobbled by an ankle injury for much of the second half.

The Lions await one of Melbourne or Carlton with a grand final berth up for grabs in a fortnight’s time, while the Power will face GWS at the Adelaide Oval, with the winner to face Collingwood.

Week 2

The second week of the finals pits the two qualifying final losers against the two elimination final victors, with every final from here a win or go home matter.

First semi final: Melbourne 9.17 (71) def by Carlton 11.7 (73) at the MCG

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A last-minute goal by Blake Acres hauled Carlton to a remarkable victory, and a first preliminary final since 2000.

Melbourne, sent packing in straight sets for the second consecutive season, were left to rue horrid kicking for goal, with 17 behinds despite improved efficiency going inside 50 ending their year in despair.

Second semi final, Port Adelaide 9.16 (70) def by GWS Giants 13.15 (93) at the Adelaide Oval

Port Adelaide joined Melbourne in bowing out of the finals in straight sets, with GWS booking a preliminary final date with Collingwood after storming the Adelaide Oval with a midfield masterclass.

The Giants won 96 more disposals than the Power, dominating the clearances 45-29 with Stephen Coniglio, Tom Green and Callan Ward running amok; while in attack, only inaccuracy prevented a dominant Jesse Hogan from bagging more than four goals.

Week 3

The penultimate week of the year sees the two qualifying final winners host the two semi-final victors, with grand final spots up for grabs.

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Each qualifying final winner will play a side from the opposite side of the finals draw: for instance, a team that finishes 1st and wins their qualifying final over 4th will play a side that finished 2nd, 3rd, 6th or 7th, whichever one wins their semi final.

First preliminary final: Collingwood 8.10 (58) def. GWS Giants 8.9 (57) at the MCG

The Magpies booked their ticket to the grand final in an utterly thrilling preliminary final, holding off GWS in a classic preliminary final for a one-point victory.

The Pies booted five goals to two in a match-turning third quarter to overturn a 10-point half time deficit, with Jordan De Goey putting in an arguably career-best performance with 34 disposals.

Second preliminary final: Brisbane Lions 11.13 (79) def. Carlton 9.9 (63) at the Gabba

The Lions set up a repeat of the 2002 and 2003 grand finals against Collingwood, overcoming a sluggish start to down Carlton and ensure a perfect record in 2023 at the Gabba.

Despite giving up the first five goals, the Lions would recover to kick 10 of the next 11 and take control, with 21 disposals from Keidean Coleman leading the way in a standout performance.

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Week 4

The two preliminary finalists meet on the AFL’s most prestigious day of all: the grand final.

Grand final: Collingwood 12.18 (90) defeated Brisbane Lions 13.8 (96) at the MCG

The Magpies prevailed in one of the great grand finals by just four points after a thrilling, see-sawing match.

The Lions look the lead late in the last quarter via a Charlie Cameron snap, before two Magpies goals from Jordan De Goey and Steele Sidebottom gave Collingwood the advantage they wouldn’t relinquish.

Joe Daniher booted a late goal to inspire hope, but the Magpies – thanks partly to a contentious advantage call that burned the Lions – would hold on for their 16th premiership.

Pies forward Bobby Hill won the Norm Smith Medal for his four-goal haul, with all four coming in the first half.

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