Fremantle will host Carlton at Subiaco in the Friday night fixture in the final round of the AFL home and away season.

The AFL changed to a floating round-22 fixture for the first time this year, giving them greater scheduling flexibility leading into the finals.

The schedule was announced on Monday, with five games locked in for Saturday, August 28, and just two on the following Sunday.

With Carlton and Fremantle both almost certain to qualify for the finals, scheduling their round 22 match on Friday will allow the Blues to return to Melbourne as early as possible.

"As per recent years, the AFL scheduled five games for Saturday, so that the majority of games can be completed by Saturday night, and enable us to consider the widest possible options for scheduling for week one of the finals," said AFL chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan.

"It is our view that Fremantle v Carlton will be an outstanding game to play on Friday night, as both sides contest finals positions, while the schedule of games on Saturday should provide a strong mix for supporters across Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane."

Round 22 schedule (all times local)

Friday, August 27

Fremantle v Carlton at Subiaco Oval, 6.40pm

Saturday, August 28

Geelong v West Coast at Skilled Stadium, 1.10pm

Hawthorn v Collingwood at the MCG, 2.10pm

Adelaide v St Kilda at AAMI Stadium, 3.40pm

Western Bulldogs v Essendon at Etihad Stadium, 7.10pm

Brisbane Lions v Sydney at the Gabba 7.10pm

Sunday, August 29

Richmond v Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium, 2.10pm

Melbourne v North Melbourne at the MCG, 4.40pm

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP