Perhaps in an attempt to fend off criticism of its scheduling, the league also provided detailed explanations for why each game would be played at the given times.

The clubs currently in the top four – Fremantle, West Coast, Hawthorn and Sydney – will all play on Saturday, September 5, so they have an equal break before the final series.

Fremantle's game at Port Adelaide will be played mid-afternoon, so the Dockers can get home that evening.

The West Coast and the Sydney games will be night matches, because both are at home.

The AFL said the Brisbane Lions versus Western Bulldogs match and the game between Geelong and Adelaide would be played during the day, so the Dogs and the Crows could get back to their home states that night.

Speaking on SEN on Wednesday afternoon, AFL fixture chief Simon Lethlean said he had been forced to make the unusual decision to play only two games on Sunday. Fixturing was a balancing act between the preferences of broadcasters, venues, clubs and the AFL, he said.

The full fixture is as follows (all times AEST):

Friday, September 4

Richmond v North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, 7.50pm

Saturday, September 5

Geelong v Adelaide at Simonds Stadium, 1.05pm

Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs at the Gabba, 1.45pm

Port Adelaide v Fremantle at Adelaide Oval, 3.50pm

Hawthorn v Carlton at the MCG, 4.40pm

West Coast v St Kilda at Domain Stadium, 7.40pm

Sydney v Gold Coast at the SCG, 7.20pm

Sunday, September 6

Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium, 1.10pm

Collingwood v Essendon at the MCG, 3.20pm