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AFL Round 23: Fixture, teams, news, tips, odds - everything you need to know for the round of football

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'Very childish': Mason Cox defends Jack Ginnivan over reporter run-in (2:19)

Mason Cox believes former teammate Jack Ginnivan was unfairly targeted by a reporter after his 'bird' gesture against the Crows. (2:19)

Round 23 of the AFL season gets underway with a Friday night double-header as Essendon host St Kilda, before a blockbuster clash between Fremantle and Brisbane takes place at Optus Stadium.

Keep up to date with all of the fixtures, games, team news, tips, odds, results, reaction, and video as they come to hand.


FRIDAY, AUGUST 15

Essendon vs. St Kilda

Marvel Stadium, 7:20pm [AEST]

Team news: Essendon has confirmed skipper Zach Merrett will miss Friday night's clash with the Saints after undergoing surgery on a fracture in his hand, as the Bombers' season goes from bad to worse on the injury front. Youngster Zak Johnson has put his hand up to return after picking up 27 disposals in the VFL.

ESPN tip: Saints by 23 points

Pointsbet odds: Bombers $4.00, Saints $1.27

Get your tips in now on the ESPNfootytips app!

Fremantle vs. Brisbane

Optus Stadium, 8:20pm [AEST]

Team news: Corey Wagner will look to prove his fitness this week as he aims to return from heel soreness, but Hayden Young remains sidelined with a groin injury. Meanwhile, Brisbane defender Ryan Lester is expected to exit concussion protocols after missing last week's loss to the Swans.

ESPN tip: Dockers by 5 points

Pointsbet odds: Freo $1.77, Lions $2.05


SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

Gold Coast vs. GWS

People First Stadium, 12:35pm [AEST]

Team news: Giants spearhead Jesse Hogan continues to manage a foot issue and is no guarantee to return this week, while former Bomber Jake Stringer has another hamstring injury and is back on the sidelines. Jack Buckley and Josh Kelly also remain sidelined ahead of the crunch clash with the Suns.

ESPN tip: Suns by 9 points

Pointsbet odds: Suns $1.50, Giants $2.60

Carlton vs. Port Adelaide

Marvel Stadium, 1:20pm [AEST]

Team news: In great news for Blues fans, Sam Walsh is expected to put his hand up for selection this week after battling a foot injury. Mitch McGovern and Elijah Hollands both made successful returns through the VFL and could also be in the mix. For Port, Jack Lukosius tweaked a calf against the Dockers and will be back on the sidelines.

ESPN tip: Blues by 12 points

Pointsbet odds: Blues $1.50, Power $2.60

Hawthorn vs. Melbourne

MCG, 4:15pm [AEST]

Team news: There's a watch on young Demon Caleb Windsor after he was subbed out with a hamstring injury against the Bulldogs. Jack Billings had 21 disposals, 14 marks, and one goal in Casey's VFL win and could come under consideration. Meanwhile, the in-form Hawks got through last Thursday's win over the Magpies unscathed, with Jai Newcombe passing his HIA test after a collision with Jeremy Howe.

ESPN tip: Hawks by 26 points

Pointsbet odds: Hawks $1.31, Dees $3.40

Adelaide vs. Collingwood

Adelaide Oval, 7:35pm [AEST]

Team news: Adelaide will regain veteran forward Taylor Walker after he was managed against the Eagles. For the Magpies, Jeremy Howe will miss through concussion, but Bobby Hill (illness) and Beau McCreery (hamstring) could be back if the pair gets through main training during the week.

ESPN tip: Crows by 13 points

Pointsbet odds: Crows $1.42, Magpies $2.90


SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

North Melbourne vs. Richmond

Ninja Stadium, 1:10pm [AEST]

Team news: TBC

ESPN tip: Roos by 19 points

Pointsbet odds: Roos $1.56, Tigers $2.45

Sydney vs. Geelong

SCG, 3:15pm [AEST]

Team news: Sydney has confirmed ruckman Brodie Grundy has entered concussion protocols and will miss this week's match against Geelong, who will also be forced into a change after Jack Henry was subbed out with a hamstring injury in the Round 22 win over the Bombers. Chris Scott could also welcome back livewire Jack Martin after he was a late out (managed).

ESPN tip: Cats by 17 points

Pointsbet odds: Swans $3.00, Cats $1.40

Western Bulldogs vs. West Coast

Marvel Stadium, 4:40pm [AEST]

Team news: TBC

ESPN tip: Bulldogs by 62 points

Pointsbet odds: Bulldogs $1.01, Eagles $17.00