2023 AFL Finals Series: Week 1 matches confirmed

A mouthwatering trio of matches come to the MCG, with the stadium set to host three matches in the opening week of Finals action.

Following a thrilling Round 24 - in which the make-up of the Finals was not determined until the final game of the season concluded on Sunday night – the AFL has confirmed today that the MCG will host three of the four matches in Week 1 of the Finals Series.

Kicking off the 2023 AFL Finals Series on Thursday night is the blockbuster clash between top-of-the-ladder Collingwood, and 2021 premiers Melbourne. The two teams met once during the 2023 Premiership Season – in Round 13, in which Melbourne claimed the four points, defeating the Magpies 66-62.

This Thursday night thriller is backed up by a Friday night classic between Carlton and Sydney Swans – in the Blues’ highly anticipated first appearance in the Finals Series since 2013. The fifth and eighth-placed teams respectively, met once during the 2023 season – with Sydney claiming a 26-point victory in Round 11.

The Week 1 action at the MCG is completed on Saturday afternoon with St Kilda taking on the GWS GIANTS, who cemented their spot in the top eight in the final quarter of the home-and-away season. These two teams last met back in Round 10, with St Kilda 12-point victors.

Tickets for these matches are available via Ticketek in a staggered approach. For a complete list of on-sale times, visit the AFL Finals Ticketing Hub.

AFL Finals Series Week 1 AFL fixture

Collingwood v Melbourne
Thursday September 7, 7.20pm

Carlton v Sydney Swans
Friday September 8, 7.50pm

St Kilda v GWS GIANTS
Saturday September 9, 3.20pm