2023 AFL season

2023 AFL premiership season
Overview
Date16 March—30 September 2023
Teams18
PremiersCollingwood
16th premiership
Runners-upBrisbane Lions
2nd runners-up result
Minor premiersCollingwood
20th minor premiership
Brownlow MedallistLachie Neale (Brisbane Lions)
31 votes
Coleman MedallistCharlie Curnow (Carlton)
78 goals
Attendance
Matches played216
Total attendance8,139,464 (37,683 per match)
Highest (H&A)95,179 (round 6, Collingwood v Essendon)
Highest (finals)100,024 (grand final, Collingwood v Brisbane Lions)
← 2022
2024 →

The 2023 AFL season was the 127th season of the Australian Football League (AFL), the highest-level senior Australian rules football competition in Australia. The season featured 18 clubs and ran from 16 March to 30 September, comprising a 23-match home-and-away season followed by a four-week finals series featuring the top eight clubs.

Collingwood won the premiership, defeating the Brisbane Lions by four points in the 2023 AFL Grand Final; it was Collingwood's 16th VFL/AFL premiership. Collingwood also won the minor premiership by finishing atop the home-and-away ladder with an 18–5 win–loss record. The Brisbane Lions' Lachie Neale won his second Brownlow Medal as the league's best and fairest player, and Carlton's Charlie Curnow won his second consecutive Coleman Medal as the league's leading goalkicker.

Background

[edit]
Norwood Oval hosted two matches during the inaugural Gather Round in 2023.

The fixture was extended to 23 matches per club, the longest in history, to accommodate the introduction of Gather Round, a special round featuring all 18 clubs playing in the same city and its surrounds; this was modelled on the National Rugby League (NRL)'s Magic Round, which had scheduled annually since 2019.[1][2] South Australia won the bid for the event, beating a bid from New South Wales,[3] and Norwood Oval and Summit Sports Park in Mount Barker each hosted their first AFL matches.[4]

The following rule changes were made for the 2023 season:

  • The number of field umpires in control of each match was increased from three to four.[5]
  • The medical substitute position, which had been introduced in 2021, was replaced with a tactical substitute; prior rules had allowed for a player to be substituted only for medical reasons, but this stipulation was removed, allowing for the substitute to be used for any reason.[6]

Coach appointments

[edit]
New coach Club Date of appointment Previous coach Ref.
Alastair Clarkson North Melbourne 19 August 2022 David Noble [7]
Adam Kingsley Greater Western Sydney 22 August 2022 Leon Cameron [8]
Brad Scott Essendon 29 September 2022 Ben Rutten [9]
Ross Lyon St Kilda 24 October 2022 Brett Ratten [10]

Club leadership

[edit]

Caretaker coaches are italicised.

Club Coach Leadership group
Captain(s) Vice-captain(s) Other leader(s)
Adelaide Matthew Nicks Jordan Dawson Tom Doedee, Ben Keays, Reilly O'Brien, Brodie Smith[11]
Brisbane Lions Chris Fagan Harris Andrews, Lachie Neale Hugh McCluggage Jarrod Berry, Charlie Cameron, Josh Dunkley, Jack Gunston, Ryan Lester, Lincoln McCarthy, Oscar McInerney, Daniel Rich[12]
Carlton Michael Voss Patrick Cripps Sam Walsh, Jacob Weitering[12]
Collingwood Craig McRae Darcy Moore Taylor Adams, Jeremy Howe, Brayden Maynard[13]
Essendon Brad Scott Zach Merrett Andrew McGrath[14]
Fremantle Justin Longmuir Alex Pearce Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong Jaeger O'Meara, Sam Switkowski, Hayden Young[15]
Geelong Chris Scott Patrick Dangerfield Tom Stewart[16]
Gold Coast Stuart Dew (r. 1–17)
Steven King (r. 18–24)		 Touk Miller, Jarrod Witts Sam Collins Noah Anderson, Nick Holman, Sean Lemmens, David Swallow[17]
Greater Western Sydney Adam Kingsley Toby Greene Stephen Coniglio, Josh Kelly Tom Green, Connor Idun, Harry Perryman, Sam Taylor[18]
Hawthorn Sam Mitchell James Sicily Luke Breust, Dylan Moore Sam Frost, Jarman Impey, Mitch Lewis[19]
Melbourne Simon Goodwin Max Gawn Jack Viney[20]
North Melbourne Alastair Clarkson (r. 1–9, 21–24)
Brett Ratten (r. 10–20)		 Luke McDonald, Jy Simpkin Ben Cunnington, Nick Larkey, Ben McKay, Jack Ziebell[21]
Port Adelaide Ken Hinkley Tom Jonas Ollie Wines Darcy Byrne-Jones[22]
Richmond Damien Hardwick (r. 1–10)
Andrew McQualter (r. 11–24)		 Dylan Grimes, Toby Nankervis[23]
St Kilda Ross Lyon Jack Steele Callum Wilkie Tim Membrey, Seb Ross, Jack Sinclair[24]
Sydney John Longmire Callum Mills, Luke Parker, Dane Rampe Lance Franklin, Will Hayward, Isaac Heeney, Jake Lloyd, Tom Papley[25]
West Coast Adam Simpson Luke Shuey Tom Barrass, Jeremy McGovern[26]
Western Bulldogs Luke Beveridge Marcus Bontempelli Jack Macrae Caleb Daniel, Taylor Duryea, Aaron Naughton[27]

Pre-season

[edit]

All starting times are local time. Source: afl.com.au

Official practice matches
Thursday, 2 March (5:10 pm) Hawthorn 14.16 (100) def. by Collingwood 15.16 (106) University of Tasmania Stadium
Thursday, 2 March (4:10 pm) Fremantle 13.14 (92) def. Port Adelaide 8.13 (61) Fremantle Community Bank Oval
Thursday, 2 March (7:10 pm) Brisbane Lions 13.13 (91) def. Geelong 6.9 (45) Brighton Homes Arena
Friday, 3 March (4:10 pm) St Kilda 10.7 (67) def. Essendon 3.14 (32) RSEA Park
Friday, 3 March (7:10 pm) Sydney 15.7 (97) def. Carlton 7.12 (54) Blacktown ISP Oval
Friday, 3 March (4:40 pm) West Coast 7.10 (52) def. by Adelaide 17.9 (111) Mineral Resources Park
Saturday, 4 March (12:10 pm) Greater Western Sydney 19.8 (122) def. Gold Coast 12.5 (77) Blacktown ISP Oval
Saturday, 4 March (1:10 pm) Western Bulldogs 22.11 (143) def. North Melbourne 13.7 (85) Ikon Park
Saturday, 4 March (4:10 pm) Melbourne 18.13 (121) def. Richmond 10.11 (71) Casey Fields

Season events

[edit]
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge avoided showing his players an AFL memo on dangerous tackles.

Increased focus on dangerous tackles

[edit]

The season saw the AFL focus more heavily on dangerous tackles and head contact amidst an increased focus worldwide on the effects of concussion in sport[28] and a class action lodged against the league in March, headed by a group of former players seeking compensation for damage sustained from concussion-related injuries during their VFL/AFL careers.[29] Several players received suspensions during the season for tackles of a slinging motion[30] which would not have previously been scrutinised by the AFL's match review officer,[31] with many of these players trying unsuccessfully to appeal their suspensions at the AFL Tribunal.[32] St Kilda coach Ross Lyon suggested during the season that other tackling-related rule interpretations may need to change as a result of the increased focus and suspensions,[33] while Sydney coach John Longmire said that the crackdown "[asked] a hell of a lot from our players [...] it's no surprise that it's not right all the time".[34]

In April, players such as Dylan Shiel,[33] Andrew McGrath and Darcy Moore called for greater clarification around rules for dangerous tackles,[28] leading the AFL to send memos to all clubs emphasising the elements constituting a dangerous tackle and the factoring of potential to cause injury in grading of suspensions;[35] Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge admitted that he chose not to show his team the memo to avoid "[telling] the players to go out and avoid accidents".[36]

Hawthorn historical racism allegations

[edit]
Former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson took leave from coaching to focus on his wellbeing during the season.
Main article: Hawthorn Football Club historical racism allegations

In May, the AFL's investigation into historical racism allegations against the Hawthorn Football Club saw new North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson, who was coach of Hawthorn during the period being investigated, take an indefinite leave from coaching during the week leading up to what would have been his 400th game as an AFL coach[37] to focus on his physical and emotional wellbeing, with assistant coach Brett Ratten filling in during his absence;[38] Clarkson eventually returned as coach in round 21, coaching his 400th game in the process.[39] Hawthorn chief executive officer Justin Reeves also resigned from his role in May, citing mental health reasons.[40] A few days later, the AFL announced that the eight-month investigation had concluded without any findings being made or any charges brought against Clarkson and former Hawthorn officials Chris Fagan (Brisbane Lions coach at the time of the investigation) and Jason Burt,[41] but implied that it could still take action against Hawthorn for its handling of the report that formed the basis of the investigation.[42]

In June, following the conclusion of the AFL's investigation, six of the complainants, including former Hawthorn player Cyril Rioli and his wife, publicly identified themselves in an open letter confirming that they planned to take their case to the Australian Human Rights Commission.[43]

Home-and-away season

[edit]

All starting times are local time. Source: AFL Tables

Round 1

[edit]
Round 1 (Opening Round)
Thursday, 16 March (7:20 pm) Richmond 8.10 (58) drew with Carlton 8.10 (58) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 88,084)
Friday, 17 March (7:40 pm) Geelong 16.7 (103) def. by Collingwood 19.11 (125) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 86,595)
Saturday, 18 March (1:45 pm) North Melbourne 12.15 (87) def. West Coast 12.10 (82) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 21,274)
Saturday, 18 March (4:05 pm) Port Adelaide 18.18 (126) def. Brisbane Lions 11.6 (72) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 34,255)
Saturday, 18 March (7:25 pm) Melbourne 17.13 (115) def. Western Bulldogs 9.11 (65) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 48,103)
Saturday, 18 March (7:00 pm) Gold Coast 9.7 (61) def. by Sydney 16.14 (110) Heritage Bank Stadium (crowd: 13,648)
Sunday, 19 March (1:10 pm) Greater Western Sydney 15.16 (106) def. Adelaide 12.18 (90) Giants Stadium (crowd: 8,169)
Sunday, 19 March (3:20 pm) Hawthorn 9.11 (65) def. by Essendon 19.10 (124) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 68,691)
Sunday, 19 March (4:40 pm) St Kilda 10.7 (67) def. Fremantle 7.10 (52) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 23,429)
  • Geelong's loss to Collingwood ended a 16-match winning streak.[44]

Round 2

[edit]
Round 2
Thursday, 23 March (7:20 pm) Carlton 13.12 (90) def. Geelong 12.10 (82) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 55,861)
Friday, 24 March (6:55 pm) Brisbane Lions 14.9 (93) def. Melbourne 13.4 (82) The Gabba (crowd: 30,047)
Saturday, 25 March (1:45 pm) Collingwood 21.9 (135) def. Port Adelaide 9.10 (64) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 60,744)
Saturday, 25 March (4:05 pm) Adelaide 10.16 (76) def. by Richmond 17.6 (108) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 38,492)
Saturday, 25 March (7:25 pm) Western Bulldogs 5.11 (41) def. by St Kilda 14.8 (92) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 33,294)
Saturday, 25 March (4:30 pm) Fremantle 10.12 (72) def. by North Melbourne 11.7 (73) Optus Stadium (crowd: 40,487)
Sunday, 26 March (1:10 pm) Sydney 17.16 (118) def. Hawthorn 4.13 (37) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 37,052)
Sunday, 26 March (3:20 pm) Essendon 16.12 (108) def. Gold Coast 11.14 (80) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 32,915)
Sunday, 26 March (3:20 pm) West Coast 14.16 (100) def. Greater Western Sydney 11.15 (81) Optus Stadium (crowd: 44,649)
  • A power outage at the Gabba midway through the fourth quarter of the Brisbane Lions v Melbourne match caused play to be suspended for 38 minutes.[45]

Round 3

[edit]
Round 3
Thursday, 30 March (7:20 pm) Western Bulldogs 10.7 (67) def. Brisbane Lions 7.11 (53) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 23,665)
Friday, 31 March (7:50 pm) Collingwood 8.15 (63) def. Richmond 7.7 (49) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 85,241)
Saturday, 1 April (1:45 pm) Hawthorn 11.14 (80) def. North Melbourne 9.7 (61) University of Tasmania Stadium (crowd: 11,007)
Saturday, 1 April (4:35 pm) Greater Western Sydney 9.10 (64) def. by Carlton 9.20 (74) Giants Stadium (crowd: 9,691)
Saturday, 1 April (7:25 pm) St Kilda 14.8 (92) def. Essendon 11.8 (74) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 69,255)
Saturday, 1 April (7:30 pm) Port Adelaide 13.8 (86) def. by Adelaide 18.9 (117) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 48,962)
Sunday, 2 April (2:10 pm) Gold Coast 10.13 (73) def. Geelong 7.12 (54) Heritage Bank Stadium (crowd: 13,122)
Sunday, 2 April (3:20 pm) Melbourne 21.8 (134) def. Sydney 12.12 (84) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 42,423)
Sunday, 2 April (3:20 pm) Fremantle 16.12 (108) def. West Coast 9.13 (67) Optus Stadium (crowd: 56,090)
  • St Kilda used its match against Essendon to celebrate the club's 150th anniversary;[46] the crowd of 69,255 is the largest ever crowd for a home-and-away match between the two clubs.[47]

Round 4

[edit]
Round 4
Thursday, 6 April (7:35 pm) Brisbane Lions 18.8 (116) def. Collingwood 11.17 (83) The Gabba (crowd: 33,565)
Friday, 7 April (4:20 pm) North Melbourne 11.18 (84) def. by Carlton 16.11 (107) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 49,062)
Saturday, 8 April (1:15 pm) Adelaide 17.9 (111) def. Fremantle 10.12 (72) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 33,725)
Saturday, 8 April (4:35 pm) Richmond 12.12 (84) def. by Western Bulldogs 12.17 (89) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 56,449)
Saturday, 8 April (7:30 pm) Sydney 9.10 (64) def. by Port Adelaide 9.12 (66) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 31,686)
Saturday, 8 April (7:30 pm) St Kilda 17.11 (113) def. Gold Coast 8.12 (60) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 21,049)
Sunday, 9 April (2:10 pm) Essendon 11.22 (88) def. Greater Western Sydney 11.9 (75) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 28,815)
Sunday, 9 April (3:20 pm) West Coast 9.9 (63) def. by Melbourne 19.12 (126) Optus Stadium (crowd: 42,458)
Monday, 10 April (3:20 pm) Geelong 19.13 (127) def. Hawthorn 6.9 (45) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 65,335)

Round 5

[edit]
Round 5 (Gather Round)
Thursday, 13 April (7:10 pm) Adelaide 18.10 (118) def. Carlton 9.8 (62) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 47,395)
Friday, 14 April (4:40 pm) Gold Coast 13.12 (90) def. by Fremantle 15.10 (100) Norwood Oval (crowd: 9,329)
Friday, 14 April (7:40 pm) Sydney 18.14 (122) def. Richmond 11.12 (78) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 42,134)
Saturday, 15 April (12:40 pm) North Melbourne 12.5 (77) def. by Brisbane Lions 22.20 (152) Summit Sport and Recreation Park (crowd: 7,329)
Saturday, 15 April (3:40 pm) Melbourne 11.11 (77) def. by Essendon 15.14 (104) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 33,832)
Saturday, 15 April (7:20 pm) Port Adelaide 10.10 (70) def. Western Bulldogs 8.8 (56) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 45,115)
Sunday, 16 April (12:40 pm) West Coast 13.11 (89) def. by Geelong 21.10 (136) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 30,120)
Sunday, 16 April (2:50 pm) Greater Western Sydney 10.17 (77) def. Hawthorn 11.9 (75) Norwood Oval (crowd: 9,057)
Sunday, 16 April (4:20 pm) St Kilda 9.10 (64) def. by Collingwood 10.10 (70) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 43,976)

Round 6

[edit]
Round 6 (Anzac Appeal Round)
Friday, 21 April (6:10 pm) Fremantle 10.9 (69) def. by Western Bulldogs 17.16 (118) Optus Stadium (crowd: 47,503)
Saturday, 22 April (1:15 pm) Port Adelaide 16.13 (109) def. West Coast 10.9 (69) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 31,638)
Saturday, 22 April (4:35 pm) Greater Western Sydney 13.9 (87) def. by Brisbane Lions 16.12 (108) Manuka Oval (crowd: 10,461)
Saturday, 22 April (7:25 pm) Geelong 20.10 (130) def. Sydney 5.7 (37) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 23,134)
Sunday, 23 April (1:10 pm) Hawthorn 11.10 (76) def. by Adelaide 11.13 (79) University of Tasmania Stadium (crowd: 10,119)
Sunday, 23 April (3:20 pm) Carlton 8.12 (60) def. by St Kilda 12.10 (82) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 45,770)
Sunday, 23 April (4:40 pm) Gold Coast 14.13 (97) def. North Melbourne 7.12 (54) Heritage Bank Stadium (crowd: 9,672)
Monday, 24 April (7:25 pm) Melbourne 15.6 (96) def. Richmond 11.12 (78) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 83,985)
Tuesday, 25 April (3:20 pm) Collingwood 13.12 (90) def. Essendon 11.11 (77) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 95,179)
  • The crowd of 47,503 for the Fremantle v Western Bulldogs match is the largest ever crowd for a home-and-away match between the two clubs.[50]
  • Sydney's 93-point loss to Geelong was its biggest loss since 1998; its score of 0.3 (3) in the second half was its lowest second half score since 1971.[51]
  • The crowd of 95,179 for the Collingwood v Essendon match is the largest ever crowd for a home-and-away match involving Essendon[52] and the second-largest home-and-away crowd in VFL/AFL history.[53]

Round 7

[edit]
Round 7
Friday, 28 April (7:50 pm) St Kilda 11.10 (76) def. by Port Adelaide 12.11 (83) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 25,845)
Saturday, 29 April (1:45 pm) Brisbane Lions 17.13 (115) def. Fremantle 10.7 (67) The Gabba (crowd: 25,528)
Saturday, 29 April (2:10 pm) Sydney 16.10 (106) def. by Greater Western Sydney 17.5 (107) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 31,615)
Saturday, 29 April (4:35 pm) Western Bulldogs 14.10 (94) def. Hawthorn 9.11 (65) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 40,119)
Saturday, 29 April (7:25 pm) Melbourne 22.7 (139) def. North Melbourne 7.7 (49) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 29,455)
Saturday, 29 April (5:30 pm) West Coast 6.8 (44) def. by Carlton 23.14 (152) Optus Stadium (crowd: 47,940)
Sunday, 30 April (1:10 pm) Essendon 16.8 (104) def. by Geelong 20.12 (132) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 67,457)
Sunday, 30 April (3:20 pm) Richmond 6.12 (48) def. by Gold Coast 11.6 (72) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 23,664)
Sunday, 30 April (4:10 pm) Adelaide 7.16 (58) def. by Collingwood 8.11 (59) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 43,942)

Round 8

[edit]
Round 8
Friday, 5 May (7:50 pm) Carlton 11.8 (74) def. by Brisbane Lions 15.10 (100) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 45,458)
Saturday, 6 May (1:45 pm) Richmond 15.14 (104) def. West Coast 8.10 (58) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 28,293)
Saturday, 6 May (2:10 pm) Geelong 14.14 (98) def. Adelaide 11.6 (72) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 21,415)
Saturday, 6 May (4:35 pm) Gold Coast 13.7 (85) def. by Melbourne 13.12 (90) Heritage Bank Stadium (crowd: 11,440)
Saturday, 6 May (7:30 pm) Greater Western Sydney 10.11 (71) def. by Western Bulldogs 13.8 (86) Manuka Oval (crowd: 10,039)
Saturday, 6 May (5:30 pm) Fremantle 18.9 (117) def. Hawthorn 7.6 (48) Optus Stadium (crowd: 37,160)
Sunday, 7 May (12:40 pm) Port Adelaide 12.20 (92) def. Essendon 13.9 (87) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 36,247)
Sunday, 7 May (3:20 pm) Collingwood 11.11 (77) def. Sydney 6.12 (48) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 71,463)
Sunday, 7 May (4:40 pm) North Melbourne 4.10 (34) def. by St Kilda 8.16 (64) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 22,065)
  • The crowd of 45,548 for the Carlton v Brisbane Lions match is the largest ever crowd for a home-and-away match between the two clubs.[54]
  • North Melbourne's score of 0.7 (7) in the first half against St Kilda marked its first goalless first half since 1979[55] and was its lowest ever first half score against St Kilda.[56]

Round 9

[edit]
Round 9
Friday, 12 May (7:20 pm) Richmond 16.6 (102) def. Geelong 11.12 (78) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 58,141)
Friday, 12 May (6:40 pm) West Coast 6.7 (43) def. by Gold Coast 16.17 (113) Optus Stadium (crowd: 36,219)
Saturday, 13 May (1:45 pm) Sydney 13.8 (86) def. by Fremantle 16.7 (103) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 28,927)
Saturday, 13 May (2:10 pm) North Melbourne 10.5 (65) def. by Port Adelaide 20.15 (135) Blundstone Arena (crowd: 6,310)
Saturday, 13 May (4:35 pm) Hawthorn 7.7 (49) def. by Melbourne 15.13 (103) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 39,818)
Saturday, 13 May (7:25 pm) Brisbane Lions 12.15 (87) def. Essendon 6.9 (45) The Gabba (crowd: 31,898)
Saturday, 13 May (7:30 pm) Carlton 8.11 (59) def. by Western Bulldogs 11.13 (79) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 42,756)
Sunday, 14 May (12:40 pm) Adelaide 19.7 (121) def. St Kilda 10.9 (69) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 33,805)
Sunday, 14 May (4:40 pm) Collingwood 18.12 (120) def. Greater Western Sydney 7.13 (55) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 37,631)

Round 10

[edit]
Round 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Round week 1)
Friday, 19 May (7:20 pm) Port Adelaide 11.14 (80) def. Melbourne 11.10 (76) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 37,565)
Saturday, 20 May (1:45 pm) North Melbourne 14.6 (90) def. by Sydney 14.9 (93) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 21,003)
Saturday, 20 May (2:10 pm) Western Bulldogs 11.19 (85) def. Adelaide 5.10 (40) Mars Stadium (crowd: 10,114)
Saturday, 20 May (2:35 pm) Fremantle 16.10 (106) def. Geelong 11.11 (77) Optus Stadium (crowd: 45,811)
Saturday, 20 May (7:30 pm) Brisbane Lions 16.11 (107) def. Gold Coast 9.10 (64) The Gabba (crowd: 23,286)
Saturday, 20 May (7:40 pm) Essendon 10.11 (71) def. Richmond 10.10 (70) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 78,300)
Sunday, 21 May (1:10 pm) Hawthorn 22.10 (142) def. West Coast 4.2 (26) University of Tasmania Stadium (crowd: 9,135)
Sunday, 21 May (3:20 pm) Carlton 7.15 (57) def. by Collingwood 13.7 (85) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 80,354)
Sunday, 21 May (4:40 pm) Greater Western Sydney 12.8 (80) def. by St Kilda 13.14 (92) Giants Stadium (crowd: 7,508)
  • Three clubs rebranded themselves with Indigenous club names across the two weeks of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Two clubs were doing this for the first time: Fremantle as Walyalup;[57] and Port Adelaide as Yartapuulti.[58]
  • North Melbourne won its first quarter since round 5, ending a streak of 21 consecutive quarters lost, the most by any team since 1897.[59]
  • North Melbourne led by three points in the final minute of its match against Sydney, before conceding a free kick and 50-metre penalty for making a 76th interchange, exceeding the limit of 75; Sydney kicked a goal from the free kick to take the lead and held on to win the match.[60]
  • The crowd of 45,811 for the Walyalup v Geelong match is the largest ever crowd for a match between the two clubs.[61]
  • Essendon's win was its first against Richmond since 2014, ending a 13-match losing streak.[62]
  • Hawthorn's 116-point win was the biggest win by a last-placed team at the time of the match since 1979.[63]
  • West Coast's score of 4.2 (26) was its lowest ever against Hawthorn,[64] and its 116-point loss was its biggest since 2008.[65]

Round 11

[edit]
Round 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Round week 2)
Friday, 26 May (7:50 pm) Sydney 11.11 (77) def. Carlton 6.15 (51) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 36,310)
Saturday, 27 May (1:45 pm) St Kilda 12.6 (78) def. by Hawthorn 12.16 (88) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 32,022)
Saturday, 27 May (2:10 pm) Melbourne 10.12 (72) def. by Fremantle 12.7 (79) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 29,154)
Saturday, 27 May (4:35 pm) Geelong 10.14 (74) def. by Greater Western Sydney 12.9 (81) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 21,349)
Saturday, 27 May (6:55 pm) Gold Coast 13.6 (84) def. Western Bulldogs 11.11 (77) TIO Stadium (crowd: 9,316)
Saturday, 27 May (5:40 pm) West Coast 6.10 (46) def. by Essendon 14.12 (96) Optus Stadium (crowd: 39,269)
Sunday, 28 May (1:10 pm) Richmond 9.13 (67) def. by Port Adelaide 10.17 (77) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 30,357)
Sunday, 28 May (3:20 pm) Collingwood 16.9 (105) def. North Melbourne 10.10 (70) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 39,467)
Sunday, 28 May (4:10 pm) Adelaide 14.11 (95) def. Brisbane Lions 10.18 (78) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 33,188)
  • Geelong fielded three Irish players against Greater Western Sydney, becoming the first club in VFL/AFL history to field three in the same team.[66]

Round 12

[edit]
Round 12
Friday, 2 June (7:50 pm) Melbourne 8.13 (61) def. Carlton 6.8 (44) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 49,872)
Saturday, 3 June (1:15 pm) Port Adelaide 23.13 (151) def. Hawthorn 14.12 (96) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 34,234)
Saturday, 3 June (2:35 pm) West Coast 8.9 (57) def. by Collingwood 18.12 (120) Optus Stadium (crowd: 41,713)
Saturday, 3 June (7:25 pm) Western Bulldogs 10.15 (75) def. by Geelong 15.7 (97) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 41,944)
Saturday, 3 June (7:00 pm) Gold Coast 16.16 (112) def. Adelaide 13.9 (87) TIO Stadium (crowd: 10,772)
Sunday, 4 June (1:10 pm) Greater Western Sydney 15.14 (104) def. by Richmond 16.14 (110) Giants Stadium (crowd: 9,723)
Sunday, 4 June (4:40 pm) Essendon 16.9 (105) def. North Melbourne 15.9 (99) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 40,488)
Bye
  • Port Adelaide's first half score of 16.9 (105) was the highest ever first half score in its history and the highest by any club since 2012;[67] its half-time lead of 82 points was also the biggest in its history.[68]
  • West Coast lost its tenth consecutive match, a club record;[69] it would lose a further six consecutive matches to set the record at 16.[70]

Round 13

[edit]
Round 13
Thursday, 8 June (7:10 pm) Sydney 9.12 (66) def. by St Kilda 12.8 (80) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 30,123)
Friday, 9 June (7:50 pm) Western Bulldogs 13.7 (85) def. by Port Adelaide 16.11 (107) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 23,110)
Saturday, 10 June (1:45 pm) Hawthorn 15.8 (98) def. Brisbane Lions 11.7 (73) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 35,869)
Saturday, 10 June (4:05 pm) Adelaide 27.12 (174) def. West Coast 8.4 (52) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 39,450)
Saturday, 10 June (5:25 pm) Fremantle 10.10 (70) def. by Richmond 12.13 (85) Optus Stadium (crowd: 46,843)
Sunday, 11 June (3:20 pm) North Melbourne 11.9 (75) def. by Greater Western Sydney 15.13 (103) Blundstone Arena (crowd: 5,025)
Sunday, 11 June (7:15 pm) Carlton 6.16 (52) def. by Essendon 13.8 (86) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 83,638)
Monday, 12 June (3:20 pm) Melbourne 8.18 (66) def. Collingwood 9.8 (62) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 83,578)
Bye
  • Adelaide's 122-point win was its biggest ever over West Coast; Taylor Walker (Adelaide) kicked a career-high ten goals, in what was also his 250th AFL match.[71]
  • The crowd of 46,843 for the Fremantle v Richmond match is the largest ever crowd for a match between the two clubs.[72]

Round 14

[edit]
Round 14
Thursday, 15 June (7:10 pm) Port Adelaide 16.14 (110) def. Geelong 11.6 (72) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 36,316)
Friday, 16 June (7:50 pm) Brisbane Lions 13.19 (97) def. Sydney 12.9 (81) The Gabba (crowd: 28,561)
Saturday, 17 June (4:35 pm) Greater Western Sydney 16.10 (106) def. Fremantle 5.6 (36) Giants Stadium (crowd: 8,633)
Saturday, 17 June (7:25 pm) Richmond 13.12 (90) def. St Kilda 11.4 (70) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 62,686)
Sunday, 18 June (1:10 pm) Carlton 18.12 (120) def. Gold Coast 8.13 (61) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 29,602)
Sunday, 18 June (4:40 pm) North Melbourne 13.6 (84) def. by Western Bulldogs 15.15 (105) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 23,829)
Bye

Round 15

[edit]
Round 15
Thursday, 22 June (7:20 pm) Geelong 11.12 (78) def. Melbourne 8.15 (63) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 19,617)
Friday, 23 June (7:50 pm) St Kilda 8.8 (56) def. by Brisbane Lions 12.12 (84) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 28,985)
Saturday, 24 June (4:35 pm) Sydney 31.19 (205) def. West Coast 5.4 (34) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 31,367)
Saturday, 24 June (5:30 pm) Fremantle 14.9 (93) def. Essendon 9.7 (61) Optus Stadium (crowd: 43,063)
Sunday, 25 June (1:10 pm) Collingwood 12.10 (82) def. Adelaide 11.14 (80) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 65,930)
Sunday, 25 June (4:40 pm) Gold Coast 14.17 (101) def. Hawthorn 5.4 (34) Heritage Bank Stadium (crowd: 14,242)
Bye
  • The margin of 171 points in the Sydney v West Coast match was Sydney's equal-biggest ever win and West Coast's biggest ever loss.[73]
  • Sydney's score of 31.19 (205) was the highest by any team since 2011 and the highest ever conceded by West Coast.[74]
  • Sydney's score of 25.14 (164) at three-quarter time was its highest ever three-quarter time score.[75]
  • The crowd of 65,930 for the Collingwood v Adelaide match is the largest ever crowd for a home-and-away match involving Adelaide.[52]

Round 16

[edit]
Round 16
Thursday, 29 June (7:20 pm) Brisbane Lions 20.14 (134) def. Richmond 7.11 (53) The Gabba (crowd: 30,022)
Friday, 30 June (7:50 pm) Sydney 6.18 (54) drew with Geelong 7.12 (54) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 32,098)
Saturday, 1 July (1:15 pm) Adelaide 21.12 (138) def. North Melbourne 11.6 (72) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 35,226)
Saturday, 1 July (1:45 pm) Western Bulldogs 16.6 (102) def. Fremantle 11.7 (73) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 25,412)
Saturday, 1 July (4:35 pm) Gold Coast 5.12 (42) def. by Collingwood 18.12 (120) Heritage Bank Stadium (crowd: 22,483)
Saturday, 1 July (7:25 pm) Essendon 10.14 (74) def. by Port Adelaide 11.12 (78) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 38,957)
Sunday, 2 July (1:10 pm) Hawthorn 7.10 (52) def. by Carlton 17.10 (112) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 66,337)
Sunday, 2 July (2:50 pm) Melbourne 5.15 (45) def. by Greater Western Sydney 7.5 (47) TIO Traeger Park (crowd: 3,413)
Sunday, 2 July (2:40 pm) West Coast 12.5 (77) def. by St Kilda 12.13 (85) Optus Stadium (crowd: 35,579)
  • The crowd of 22,483 for the Gold Coast v Collingwood match was Gold Coast's largest home crowd in Queensland since 2014.[76]
  • Dan Houston (Port Adelaide) kicked a goal after the final siren to win the match against Essendon.[77]
  • Hawthorn's score of 0.5 (5) in the first half against Carlton was its lowest ever score in a half against Carlton;[78] it was also the first time that Carlton held an opponent goalless in the first half of a match since 2004.[79]
  • Greater Western Sydney's score of 7.5 (47) against Melbourne was its lowest ever winning score.[80]
  • West Coast won its first quarter since round 9, ending a winless streak of 21 consecutive quarters.[81]

Round 17

[edit]
Round 17
Thursday, 6 July (7:20 pm) Richmond 12.16 (88) def. Sydney 11.9 (75) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 48,443)
Friday, 7 July (7:50 pm) Western Bulldogs 11.11 (77) def. by Collingwood 13.11 (89) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 43,482)
Saturday, 8 July (1:45 pm) Brisbane Lions 16.20 (116) def. West Coast 5.5 (35) The Gabba (crowd: 24,843)
Saturday, 8 July (4:35 pm) Greater Western Sydney 12.13 (85) def. Hawthorn 10.12 (72) Giants Stadium (crowd: 9,007)
Saturday, 8 July (7:25 pm) St Kilda 8.10 (58) def. by Melbourne 12.7 (79) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 30,749)
Saturday, 8 July (7:10 pm) Port Adelaide 16.10 (106) def. Gold Coast 11.7 (73) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 31,053)
Sunday, 9 July (1:10 pm) Geelong 19.11 (125) def. North Melbourne 9.9 (63) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 21,066)
Sunday, 9 July (3:20 pm) Essendon 17.13 (115) def. Adelaide 15.9 (97) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 39,606)
Sunday, 9 July (2:40 pm) Fremantle 6.9 (45) def. by Carlton 14.14 (98) Optus Stadium (crowd: 49,469)
  • Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood) broke the record for the most career disposals recorded in VFL/AFL history during the match against the Western Bulldogs, surpassing the record of 9,656 disposals held by Robert Harvey (St Kilda).[82]
  • The crowd of 43,482 for the Western Bulldogs v Collingwood match was the Western Bulldogs' largest home crowd since 2017.[83]
  • Zach Tuohy (Geelong) played his 265th match, breaking the record for the most VFL/AFL matches by an Irish player.[84]

Round 18

[edit]
Round 18
Thursday, 13 July (7:20 pm) Sydney 11.12 (78) def. Western Bulldogs 11.10 (76) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 26,221)
Friday, 14 July (7:50 pm) Melbourne 16.9 (105) def. Brisbane Lions 16.8 (104) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 38,030)
Saturday, 15 July (1:45 pm) Collingwood 18.5 (113) def. Fremantle 10.7 (67) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 61,157)
Saturday, 15 July (2:10 pm) Gold Coast 11.11 (77) def. St Kilda 8.3 (51) Heritage Bank Stadium (crowd: 13,015)
Saturday, 15 July (4:35 pm) Carlton 18.14 (122) def. Port Adelaide 10.12 (72) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 34,306)
Saturday, 15 July (7:25 pm) Geelong 18.14 (122) def. Essendon 7.3 (45) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 23,185)
Saturday, 15 July (7:10 pm) Adelaide 8.9 (57) def. by Greater Western Sydney 10.11 (71) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 36,674)
Sunday, 16 July (1:10 pm) North Melbourne 6.4 (40) def. by Hawthorn 12.16 (88) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 30,201)
Sunday, 16 July (2:40 pm) West Coast 8.12 (60) def. by Richmond 14.14 (98) Optus Stadium (crowd: 40,501)
  • The crowd of 61,157 for the Collingwood v Fremantle match is the largest ever crowd for a home-and-away match involving Fremantle.[85]
  • Port Adelaide's loss to Carlton ended a club record 13-match winning streak.[86]

Round 19

[edit]
Round 19
Friday, 21 July (7:50 pm) Essendon 7.7 (49) def. by Western Bulldogs 13.12 (90) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 43,634)
Saturday, 22 July (1:45 pm) Richmond 14.12 (96) def. Hawthorn 15.5 (95) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 57,654)
Saturday, 22 July (2:10 pm) Carlton 21.14 (140) def. West Coast 10.9 (69) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 34,954)
Saturday, 22 July (4:35 pm) Brisbane Lions 9.10 (64) def. Geelong 7.11 (53) The Gabba (crowd: 32,586)
Saturday, 22 July (5:40 pm) Fremantle 12.4 (76) def. by Sydney 16.9 (105) Optus Stadium (crowd: 42,433)
Saturday, 22 July (7:10 pm) Port Adelaide 12.11 (83) def. by Collingwood 13.7 (85) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 47,965)
Sunday, 23 July (1:10 pm) Greater Western Sydney 15.13 (103) def. Gold Coast 9.9 (63) Manuka Oval (crowd: 10,026)
Sunday, 23 July (3:20 pm) Melbourne 14.13 (97) def. Adelaide 13.15 (93) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 33,122)
Sunday, 23 July (4:40 pm) St Kilda 9.15 (69) def. North Melbourne 9.7 (61) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 18,279)

Round 20

[edit]
Round 20
Friday, 28 July (7:50 pm) Collingwood 10.16 (76) def. by Carlton 14.9 (93) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 86,785)
Saturday, 29 July (1:45 pm) Geelong 9.10 (64) def. by Fremantle 10.11 (71) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 21,619)
Saturday, 29 July (1:45 pm) Western Bulldogs 10.13 (73) def. by Greater Western Sydney 11.12 (78) Mars Stadium (crowd: 9,080)
Saturday, 29 July (4:35 pm) Gold Coast 15.6 (96) def. Brisbane Lions 7.13 (55) Heritage Bank Stadium (crowd: 14,097)
Saturday, 29 July (7:25 pm) Essendon 15.9 (99) def. by Sydney 15.11 (101) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 38,329)
Saturday, 29 July (7:10 pm) Adelaide 16.16 (112) def. Port Adelaide 9.11 (65) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 50,023)
Sunday, 30 July (1:10 pm) Hawthorn 14.9 (93) def. by St Kilda 19.8 (122) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 22,769)
Sunday, 30 July (3:20 pm) Richmond 15.8 (98) def. by Melbourne 20.10 (130) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 52,294)
Sunday, 30 July (4:40 pm) West Coast 10.12 (72) def. North Melbourne 10.7 (67) Optus Stadium (crowd: 38,231)
  • Chris Scott coached his 305th match for Geelong in its loss to Fremantle, breaking the record held by Reg Hickey for most VFL/AFL matches coached for Geelong.[87]
  • Gold Coast's win was its first QClash win since 2018, ending a nine-match losing streak against the Brisbane Lions.[88]
  • West Coast's win over North Melbourne ended a club record 16-match losing streak.[70]

Round 21

[edit]
Round 21
Friday, 4 August (7:50 pm) Western Bulldogs 19.12 (126) def. Richmond 10.11 (71) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 39,304)
Saturday, 5 August (1:45 pm) Essendon 10.13 (73) def. West Coast 11.6 (72) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 30,742)
Saturday, 5 August (1:40 pm) Adelaide 13.11 (89) def. Gold Coast 9.7 (61) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 35,777)
Saturday, 5 August (4:35 pm) Hawthorn 16.9 (105) def. Collingwood 11.7 (73) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 62,134)
Saturday, 5 August (7:25 pm) Geelong 14.13 (97) def. Port Adelaide 12.13 (85) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 21,279)
Saturday, 5 August (7:30 pm) Greater Western Sydney 12.13 (85) def. by Sydney 15.6 (96) Giants Stadium (crowd: 19,332)
Sunday, 6 August (1:10 pm) North Melbourne 10.11 (71) def. by Melbourne 15.13 (103) Blundstone Arena (crowd: 8,034)
Sunday, 6 August (3:20 pm) St Kilda 8.6 (54) def. by Carlton 10.13 (73) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 42,656)
Sunday, 6 August (2:40 pm) Fremantle 11.8 (74) def. by Brisbane Lions 11.11 (77) Optus Stadium (crowd: 37,845)
  • Brett Rosebury umpired his 503rd AFL match in the Western Bulldogs v Richmond match,[89] breaking the record held by Shane McInerney for most VFL/AFL matches officiated by a field umpire.[90]

Round 22

[edit]
Round 22
Friday, 11 August (7:50 pm) Collingwood 16.13 (109) def. Geelong 15.11 (101) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 78,749)
Saturday, 12 August (1:45 pm) North Melbourne 12.5 (77) def. by Essendon 13.8 (86) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 37,231)
Saturday, 12 August (1:45 pm) Sydney 18.6 (114) def. Gold Coast 13.12 (90) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 33,911)
Saturday, 12 August (4:35 pm) Brisbane Lions 15.9 (99) def. Adelaide 13.15 (93) The Gabba (crowd: 30,107)
Saturday, 12 August (7:30 pm) Carlton 9.6 (60) def. Melbourne 8.8 (56) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 68,577)
Saturday, 12 August (6:10 pm) West Coast 4.9 (33) def. by Fremantle 20.14 (134) Optus Stadium (crowd: 51,172)
Sunday, 13 August (1:10 pm) Hawthorn 9.13 (67) def. Western Bulldogs 9.10 (64) University of Tasmania Stadium (crowd: 12,480)
Sunday, 13 August (3:20 pm) St Kilda 14.9 (93) def. Richmond 8.9 (57) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 31,119)
Sunday, 13 August (4:10 pm) Port Adelaide 21.10 (136) def. Greater Western Sydney 13.7 (85) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 32,597)
  • The Sydney v Gold Coast (2:10 pm to 1:45 pm) and Carlton v Melbourne (7:25 pm to 7:30 pm) matches were rescheduled to accommodate the Seven Network's coverage of Australia's 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup quarter-final against France.[91]
  • The margin of 101 points in the West Coast v Fremantle match was the biggest in a Western Derby since 2000 and Fremantle's biggest ever win over West Coast.[92]
  • West Coast's score of 4.9 (33) against Fremantle was its lowest ever in a Western Derby.[93]

Round 23

[edit]
Round 23
Friday, 18 August (7:50 pm) Collingwood 15.10 (100) def. by Brisbane Lions 19.10 (124) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 38,350)
Saturday, 19 August (1:45 pm) Richmond 14.17 (101) def. North Melbourne 10.12 (72) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 59,555)
Saturday, 19 August (2:10 pm) Gold Coast 13.9 (87) def. by Carlton 13.13 (91) Heritage Bank Stadium (crowd: 19,253)
Saturday, 19 August (4:35 pm) Greater Western Sydney 25.12 (162) def. Essendon 5.6 (36) Giants Stadium (crowd: 10,281)
Saturday, 19 August (7:25 pm) St Kilda 12.16 (88) def. Geelong 8.7 (55) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 40,103)
Saturday, 19 August (7:10 pm) Adelaide 10.13 (73) def. by Sydney 11.8 (74) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 44,817)
Sunday, 20 August (1:10 pm) Western Bulldogs 12.13 (85) def. by West Coast 14.8 (92) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 23,965)
Sunday, 20 August (3:20 pm) Melbourne 13.9 (87) def. Hawthorn 9.6 (60) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 50,142)
Sunday, 20 August (2:40 pm) Fremantle 8.10 (58) def. by Port Adelaide 11.8 (74) Optus Stadium (crowd: 38,360)
  • Greater Western Sydney's score of 25.12 (162) against Essendon was its highest ever, and its 126-point win was its biggest ever.[94]
  • Essendon's score of 5.6 (36) was its lowest ever against Greater Western Sydney.[94]
  • Sydney led by two points with a minute remaining in its match against Adelaide, before an Adelaide shot at goal was deemed to have grazed the goal post, with the goal umpire opting not to call for a score review; Sydney held on to win the match.[95] The AFL admitted the following day that this was an error, and that the review system would have overturned the decision and changed the score to a goal if it had been referred by the goal umpire; the result stood, with the loss eliminating Adelaide from finals contention, and the goal umpire was stood down for the rest of the season.[96]

Round 24

[edit]
Round 24
Friday, 25 August (7:50 pm) Essendon 3.13 (31) def. by Collingwood 16.5 (101) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 74,344)
Saturday, 26 August (1:45 pm) North Melbourne 20.12 (132) def. Gold Coast 14.13 (97) Blundstone Arena (crowd: 4,378)
Saturday, 26 August (1:45 pm) Hawthorn 8.8 (56) def. by Fremantle 14.9 (93) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 27,951)
Saturday, 26 August (4:35 pm) Brisbane Lions 9.18 (72) def. St Kilda 9.6 (60) The Gabba (crowd: 31,689)
Saturday, 26 August (7:25 pm) Geelong 11.13 (79) def. by Western Bulldogs 16.8 (104) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 20,533)
Saturday, 26 August (6:10 pm) West Coast 12.6 (78) def. by Adelaide 17.21 (123) Optus Stadium (crowd: 47,027)
Sunday, 27 August (12:00 pm) Port Adelaide 13.16 (94) def. Richmond 8.15 (63) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 39,860)
Sunday, 27 August (3:20 pm) Sydney 7.14 (56) def. by Melbourne 11.11 (77) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 41,753)
Sunday, 27 August (6:10 pm) Carlton 11.7 (73) def. by Greater Western Sydney 16.9 (105) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 44,354)
  • North Melbourne's win over Gold Coast ended a 20-match losing streak,[97] the club's longest losing streak since 1935.[98]

Ladder

[edit]
Pos Team Pld W L D PF PA PP Pts Qualification
1 Collingwood (P) 23 18 5 0 2142 1687 127.0 72 Finals series
2 Brisbane Lions 23 17 6 0 2180 1771 123.1 68
3 Port Adelaide 23 17 6 0 2149 1906 112.7 68
4 Melbourne 23 16 7 0 2079 1660 125.2 64
5 Carlton 23 13 9 1 1922 1697 113.3 54
6 St Kilda 23 13 10 0 1775 1647 107.8 52
7 Greater Western Sydney 23 13 10 0 2018 1885 107.1 52
8 Sydney 23 12 10 1 2050 1863 110.0 50
9 Western Bulldogs 23 12 11 0 1919 1766 108.7 48
10 Adelaide 23 11 12 0 2193 1877 116.8 44
11 Essendon 23 11 12 0 1838 2050 89.7 44
12 Geelong 23 10 12 1 2088 1855 112.6 42
13 Richmond 23 10 12 1 1856 1983 93.6 42
14 Fremantle 23 10 13 0 1835 1898 96.7 40
15 Gold Coast 23 9 14 0 1839 2006 91.7 36
16 Hawthorn 23 7 16 0 1686 2101 80.2 28
17 North Melbourne 23 3 20 0 1657 2318 71.5 12
18 West Coast 23 3 20 0 1418 2674 53.0 12
Source: afl.com.au
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) percentage; 3) number of points for
(P) Premiers

Progression by round

[edit]
4 Finished the round in first place 0 Finished the round in last place
4 Won the minor premiership 0 Won the wooden spoon
4 Finished the round inside the top eight
41 Subscript indicates the ladder position at the end of the round
41 Underlined points indicate the team had a bye that round
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Collingwood 46 84 122 125 163 202 241 281 321 361 401 441 441 442 481 521 561 601 641 641 641 681 681 721
Brisbane Lions 015 412 414 88 128 166 204 244 283 322 323 324 324 364 403 443 483 483 523 523 563 602 642 682
Port Adelaide 44 411 413 810 129 167 205 245 284 323 362 402 442 481 482 522 562 562 562 562 564 603 643 683
Melbourne 43 48 84 123 126 163 202 242 282 284 284 323 363 363 364 364 404 444 484 524 562 564 604 644
Carlton 29 67 103 142 144 148 186 188 189 1811 1813 1814 1815 2214 2215 2614 3011 3410 389 427 465 505 545 545
St Kilda 45 82 121 161 161 201 203 243 245 285 285 285 325 325 325 365 366 366 406 445 447 486 526 526
Greater Western Sydney 47 410 410 415 812 812 1212 1213 1215 1215 1614 1615 2014 2411 2414 2810 3210 369 407 446 448 4410 488 527
Sydney 42 81 85 86 125 1210 1211 1211 1214 1612 2011 2012 2013 2015 2413 2613 2615 3014 3412 3810 4210 467 507 508
Western Bulldogs 016 017 416 811 814 1211 1610 207 246 286 286 287 288 327 327 366 367 367 405 408 446 448 449 489
Adelaide 012 015 411 87 127 165 168 1610 208 208 247 249 287 288 288 327 329 3212 3213 3612 4011 4012 4013 4410
Essendon 41 83 86 124 162 164 169 169 1610 209 248 286 326 326 326 328 365 368 3611 3613 4012 449 4410 4411
Geelong 013 014 018 413 810 129 167 206 207 207 2010 248 249 2410 289 309 348 385 388 389 429 4211 4211 4212
Richmond 210 66 68 612 615 616 616 1015 1413 1414 1415 1813 2212 269 2612 2615 3012 3411 3810 3811 3813 3813 4212 4213
Fremantle 014 013 49 414 811 813 814 1212 1612 2010 249 2410 2410 2413 2811 2811 2814 2815 2815 3215 3215 3614 3614 4014
Gold Coast 017 016 415 417 416 814 1213 1214 1611 1613 2012 2411 2411 2412 2810 2812 2813 3213 3214 3614 3614 3615 3615 3615
Hawthorn 018 018 417 418 418 418 417 418 418 816 1216 1216 1616 1616 1616 1616 1616 2016 2016 2016 2416 2816 2816 2816
North Melbourne 48 85 87 89 813 815 815 816 816 817 817 817 817 817 817 817 817 817 817 817 817 817 818 1217
West Coast 011 49 412 416 417 417 418 417 417 418 418 418 418 418 418 418 418 418 418 818 818 818 1217 1218

Source: AFL Tables

Home matches and membership

[edit]

The following table includes all home match attendance figures from the home-and-away season, excluding neutral matches (Gather Round).

Team Home match attendance Membership
Hosted Total Highest Lowest Average 2022[99] 2023[100] Change
2022[101] 2023[102] Change
Adelaide 11 425,119 50,023 33,188 31,429 38,647 Increase 7,218 63,099 68,536 Increase 5,437
Brisbane Lions 11 322,132 33,565 23,286 25,818 29,285 Increase 3,467 43,319 54,676 Increase 11,357
Carlton 11 565,630 83,638 29,602 49,784 51,421 Increase 1,637 88,776 95,277 Increase 6,501
Collingwood 11 720,696 95,179 37,631 48,573 65,518 Increase 16,945 100,384 106,470 Increase 6,086
Essendon 11 513,587 78,300 28,815 39,754 46,690 Increase 6,936 86,001 86,274 Increase 273
Fremantle 11 485,064 56,090 37,160 40,460 44,097 Increase 3,637 56,105 62,064 Increase 5,959
Geelong 11 355,067 86,595 19,617 26,875 32,279 Increase 5,404 71,943 82,155 Increase 10,212
Gold Coast 11 150,960 22,483 9,316 11,298 13,724 Increase 2,426 21,422 23,359 Increase 1,937
Greater Western Sydney 11 112,870 19,332 7,508 9,219 10,261 Increase 1,042 32,614 33,036 Increase 422
Hawthorn 11 366,310 68,691 9,135 26,502 33,301 Increase 6,799 81,494 80,698 Decrease 796
Melbourne 11 491,277 83,985 3,413 39,218 44,662 Increase 5,444 66,484 70,785 Increase 4,301
North Melbourne 11 228,412 49,062 4,378 14,368 20,765 Increase 6,397 50,191 51,084 Increase 893
Port Adelaide 11 410,692 48,962 31,053 29,693 37,336 Increase 7,643 58,643 64,041 Increase 5,398
Richmond 11 565,620 88,084 23,667 46,485 51,420 Increase 4,935 100,792 101,349 Increase 557
St Kilda 11 353,491 69,255 21,049 25,386 32,136 Increase 6,750 60,172 60,239 Increase 67
Sydney 11 361,163 41,753 26,221 29,424 32,833 Increase 3,409 55,394 65,332 Increase 9,938
West Coast 11 464,758 51,172 35,579 36,736 42,251 Increase 5,515 102,897 103,275 Increase 378
Western Bulldogs 11 313,489 43,482 9,080 24,655 28,499 Increase 3,844 50,941 56,302 Increase 5,361
Total/overall 198 7,206,397 95,179 3,413 30,871 36,396 Increase 5,525 1,190,671 1,264,952 Increase 74,281

Source: AFL Tables

Finals series

[edit]
Qualifying and elimination finalsSemi-finalsPreliminary finalsGrand final
7 September, Melbourne Cricket Ground
1Collingwood9.6 (60)
4Melbourne7.11 (53)15 September, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Melbourne9.17 (71)
8 September, Melbourne Cricket GroundCarlton11.7 (73)22 September, Melbourne Cricket Ground
5Carlton11.8 (74)Collingwood8.10 (58)
8Sydney9.14 (68)Greater Western Sydney8.9 (57)30 September, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Collingwood12.18 (90)
9 September, Melbourne Cricket Ground23 September, The GabbaBrisbane Lions13.8 (86)
6St Kilda11.11 (77)Brisbane Lions11.13 (79)
7Greater Western Sydney15.11 (101)16 September, Adelaide OvalCarlton9.9 (63)
Port Adelaide9.16 (70)
9 September, The GabbaGreater Western Sydney13.15 (93)
2Brisbane Lions19.11 (125)
3Port Adelaide11.11 (77)

All starting times are local time. Source: AFL Tables

Finals week 1

[edit]
First qualifying final
Thursday, 7 September (7:20 pm) Collingwood 9.6 (60) def. Melbourne 7.11 (53) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 92,636)
First elimination final
Friday, 8 September (7:50 pm) Carlton 11.8 (74) def. Sydney 9.14 (68) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 92,026)
Second elimination final
Saturday, 9 September (3:20 pm) St Kilda 11.11 (77) def. by Greater Western Sydney 15.11 (101) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 68,465)
Second qualifying final
Saturday, 9 September (7:25 pm) Brisbane Lions 19.11 (125) def. Port Adelaide 11.11 (77) The Gabba (crowd: 36,020)
  • The crowd of 92,636 for the Collingwood v Melbourne qualifying final is the largest crowd for a match between the two clubs since 1964.[103]
  • The crowd of 92,026 for the Carlton v Sydney elimination final is the largest ever crowd for a match between the two clubs.[103]

Finals week 2

[edit]
First semi-final
Friday, 15 September (7:50 pm) Melbourne 9.17 (71) def. by Carlton 11.7 (73) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 96,412)
Second semi-final
Saturday, 16 September (7:10 pm) Port Adelaide 9.16 (70) def. by Greater Western Sydney 13.15 (93) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 45,520)
  • The crowd of 96,412 for the Melbourne v Carlton semi-final is the largest ever crowd for a match between the two clubs[104] and Melbourne's biggest ever finals crowd outside of a grand final.[105]

Finals week 3

[edit]
First preliminary final
Friday, 22 September (7:50 pm) Collingwood 8.10 (58) def. Greater Western Sydney 8.9 (57) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 97,665)
Second preliminary final
Saturday, 23 September (5:15 pm) Brisbane Lions 11.13 (79) def. Carlton 9.9 (63) The Gabba (crowd: 36,012)

Grand final

[edit]
Main article: 2023 AFL Grand Final
Grand final
Saturday, 30 September (2:30 pm) Collingwood 12.18 (90) def. Brisbane Lions 13.8 (86) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 100,024)

Win–loss table

[edit]

The following table can be sorted from biggest winning margin to biggest losing margin for each round. If two or more matches in a round are decided by the same margin, these margins are sorted by percentage (i.e. the lowest-scoring winning team is ranked highest and the lowest-scoring losing team is ranked lowest). Home matches are in bold, neutral matches (Gather Round) are underlined and opponents are listed above the margins.

+ Win Qualified for finals
- Loss X Bye
Draw Eliminated
Team Home-and-away season Ladder Finals series
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 F1 F2 F3 GF
Adelaide GWS
-16		 RIC
-32		 PA
+31		 FRE
+39		 CAR
+56		 HAW
+3		 COL
-1		 GEE
-26		 STK
+52		 WB
-45		 BL
+17		 GC
-25		 WC
+122		 X COL
-2		 NM
+66		 ESS
-18		 GWS
-14		 MEL
-4		 PA
+47		 GC
+28		 BL
-6		 SYD
-1		 WC
+45		 10
(11–12–0)
Brisbane Lions PA
-54		 MEL
+11		 WB
-14		 COL
+33		 NM
+75		 GWS
+21		 FRE
+48		 CAR
+26		 ESS
+42		 GC
+43		 ADE
-17		 X HAW
-25		 SYD
+16		 STK
+28		 RIC
+81		 WC
+81		 MEL
-1		 GEE
+11		 GC
-41		 FRE
+3		 ADE
+6		 COL
+24		 STK
+12		 2
(17–6–0)		 PA
+48		 X CAR
+16		 COL
-4
Carlton RIC
0		 GEE
+8		 GWS
+10		 NM
+23		 ADE
-56		 STK
-22		 WC
+108		 BL
-26		 WB
-20		 COL
-28		 SYD
-26		 MEL
-17		 ESS
-34		 GC
+59		 X HAW
+60		 FRE
+53		 PA
+50		 WC
+71		 COL
+17		 STK
+19		 MEL
+4		 GC
+4		 GWS
-32		 5
(13–9–1)		 SYD
+6		 MEL
+2		 BL
-16
Collingwood GEE
+22		 PA
+71		 RIC
+14		 BL
-33		 STK
+6		 ESS
+13		 ADE
+1		 SYD
+29		 GWS
+65		 CAR
+28		 NM
+35		 WC
+63		 MEL
-4		 X ADE
+2		 GC
+78		 WB
+12		 FRE
+46		 PA
+2		 CAR
-17		 HAW
-32		 GEE
+8		 BL
-24		 ESS
+70		 1
(18–5–0)		 MEL
+7		 X GWS
+1		 BL
+4
Essendon HAW
+59		 GC
+28		 STK
-18		 GWS
+13		 MEL
+27		 COL
-13		 GEE
-28		 PA
-5		 BL
-42		 RIC
+1		 WC
+50		 NM
+6		 CAR
+34		 X FRE
-32		 PA
-4		 ADE
+18		 GEE
-77		 WB
-41		 SYD
-2		 WC
+1		 NM
+9		 GWS
-126		 COL
-70		 11
(11–12–0)
Fremantle STK
-15		 NM
-1		 WC
+41		 ADE
-39		 GC
+10		 WB
-49		 BL
-48		 HAW
+69		 SYD
+17		 GEE
+29		 MEL
+7		 X RIC
-15		 GWS
-70		 ESS
+32		 WB
-29		 CAR
-53		 COL
-46		 SYD
-29		 GEE
+7		 BL
-3		 WC
+101		 PA
-16		 HAW
+37		 14
(10–13–0)
Geelong COL
-22		 CAR
-8		 GC
-19		 HAW
+82		 WC
+47		 SYD
+93		 ESS
+28		 ADE
+26		 RIC
-24		 FRE
-29		 GWS
-7		 WB
+22		 X PA
-38		 MEL
+15		 SYD
0		 NM
+62		 ESS
+77		 BL
-11		 FRE
-7		 PA
+12		 COL
-8		 STK
-33		 WB
-25		 12
(10–12–1)
Gold Coast SYD
-49		 ESS
-28		 GEE
+19		 STK
-53		 FRE
-10		 NM
+43		 RIC
+24		 MEL
-5		 WC
+70		 BL
-43		 WB
+7		 ADE
+25		 X CAR
-59		 HAW
+67		 COL
-78		 PA
-33		 STK
+26		 GWS
-40		 BL
+41		 ADE
-28		 SYD
-24		 CAR
-4		 NM
-35		 15
(9–14–0)
Greater Western Sydney ADE
+16		 WC
-19		 CAR
-10		 ESS
-13		 HAW
+2		 BL
-21		 SYD
+1		 WB
-15		 COL
-65		 STK
-12		 GEE
+7		 RIC
-6		 NM
+28		 FRE
+70		 X MEL
+2		 HAW
+13		 ADE
+14		 GC
+40		 WB
+5		 SYD
-11		 PA
-51		 ESS
+126		 CAR
+32		 7
(13–10–0)		 STK
+24		 PA
+23		 COL
-1
Hawthorn ESS
-59		 SYD
-81		 NM
+19		 GEE
-82		 GWS
-2		 ADE
-3		 WB
-29		 FRE
-69		 MEL
-54		 WC
+116		 STK
+10		 PA
-55		 BL
+25		 X GC
-67		 CAR
-60		 GWS
-13		 NM
+48		 RIC
-1		 STK
-29		 COL
+32		 WB
+3		 MEL
-27		 FRE
-37		 16
(7–16–0)
Melbourne WB
+50		 BL
-11		 SYD
+50		 WC
+63		 ESS
-27		 RIC
+18		 NM
+90		 GC
+5		 HAW
+54		 PA
-4		 FRE
-7		 CAR
+17		 COL
+4		 X GEE
-15		 GWS
-2		 STK
+21		 BL
+1		 ADE
+4		 RIC
+32		 NM
+32		 CAR
-4		 HAW
+27		 SYD
+21		 4
(16–7–0)		 COL
-7		 CAR
-2
North Melbourne WC
+5		 FRE
+1		 HAW
-19		 CAR
-23		 BL
-75		 GC
-43		 MEL
-90		 STK
-30		 PA
-70		 SYD
-3		 COL
-35		 ESS
-6		 GWS
-28		 WB
-21		 X ADE
-66		 GEE
-62		 HAW
-48		 STK
-8		 WC
-5		 MEL
-32		 ESS
-9		 RIC
-29		 GC
+35		 17
(3–20–0)
Port Adelaide BL
+54		 COL
-71		 ADE
-31		 SYD
+2		 WB
+14		 WC
+40		 STK
+7		 ESS
+5		 NM
+70		 MEL
+4		 RIC
+10		 HAW
+55		 WB
+22		 GEE
+38		 X ESS
+4		 GC
+33		 CAR
-50		 COL
-2		 ADE
-47		 GEE
-12		 GWS
+51		 FRE
+16		 RIC
+31		 3
(17–6–0)		 BL
-48		 GWS
-23
Richmond CAR
0		 ADE
+32		 COL
-14		 WB
-5		 SYD
-44		 MEL
-18		 GC
-24		 WC
+46		 GEE
+24		 ESS
-1		 PA
-10		 GWS
+6		 FRE
+15		 STK
+20		 X BL
-81		 SYD
+13		 WC
+38		 HAW
+1		 MEL
-32		 WB
-55		 STK
-36		 NM
+29		 PA
-31		 13
(10–12–1)
St Kilda FRE
+15		 WB
+51		 ESS
+18		 GC
+53		 COL
-6		 CAR
+22		 PA
-7		 NM
+30		 ADE
-52		 GWS
+12		 HAW
-10		 X SYD
+14		 RIC
-20		 BL
-28		 WC
+8		 MEL
-21		 GC
-26		 NM
+8		 HAW
+29		 CAR
-19		 RIC
+36		 GEE
+33		 BL
-12		 6
(13–10–0)		 GWS
-24
Sydney GC
+49		 HAW
+81		 MEL
-50		 PA
-2		 RIC
+44		 GEE
-93		 GWS
-1		 COL
-29		 FRE
-17		 NM
+3		 CAR
+26		 X STK
-14		 BL
-16		 WC
+171		 GEE
0		 RIC
-13		 WB
+2		 FRE
+29		 ESS
+2		 GWS
+11		 GC
+24		 ADE
+1		 MEL
-21		 8
(12–10–1)		 CAR
-6
West Coast NM
-5		 GWS
+19		 FRE
-41		 MEL
-63		 GEE
-47		 PA
-40		 CAR
-108		 RIC
-46		 GC
-70		 HAW
-116		 ESS
-50		 COL
-63		 ADE
-122		 X SYD
-171		 STK
-8		 BL
-81		 RIC
-38		 CAR
-71		 NM
+5		 ESS
-1		 FRE
-101		 WB
+7		 ADE
-45		 18
(3–20–0)
Western Bulldogs MEL
-50		 STK
-51		 BL
+14		 RIC
+5		 PA
-14		 FRE
+49		 HAW
+29		 GWS
+15		 CAR
+20		 ADE
+45		 GC
-7		 GEE
-22		 PA
-22		 NM
+21		 X FRE
+29		 COL
-12		 SYD
-2		 ESS
+41		 GWS
-5		 RIC
+55		 HAW
-3		 WC
-7		 GEE
+25		 9
(12–11–0)

Source: AFL Tables

Season notes

[edit]
  • Geelong lost its opening three matches of the season, becoming the first reigning premier since North Melbourne in 1976 to lose its first three matches the following season.[106]
  • Carlton won five consecutive matches by at least 50 points during the season, becoming the first team to do so since Geelong in 2008.[107]
  • West Coast lost five matches by over 100 points during the season, becoming the first team to do so since Greater Western Sydney in its first two seasons in 2012 and 2013;[108] it also lost twelve consecutive matches by at least 40 points, a VFL/AFL record, during the season.[109]
  • The AFL recorded a cumulative attendance of 7,475,145 for the home-and-away season, breaking the VFL/AFL home-and-away attendance record set in 2019.[100]
  • Nine matches were attended by over 80,000 spectators (including five by over 85,000) during the home-and-away season, breaking the record of seven 80,000-plus attendances in a VFL/AFL home-and-away season set in 2013.[100]
  • Carlton qualified for its first finals appearance since 2013,[110] eventually reaching a preliminary final for the first time since 2000.[111]
  • Geelong failed to qualify for the finals for first time since 2015.[112]
  • The AFL recorded a total club membership tally of 1,264,952 in 2023, a VFL/AFL record; 17 clubs recorded membership increases from 2022 (all clubs except Hawthorn) and 15 clubs achieved record tallies, with Collingwood (106,470) recording the largest ever club membership tally.[100]
  • Greater Western Sydney won matches at eleven different venues, a VFL/AFL record, during the season.[113]
  • The AFL recorded a cumulative attendance of 289,147 for finals week 1, breaking the VFL/AFL finals week 1 attendance record set in 2018.[103]
  • Carlton and Greater Western Sydney both reached the preliminary finals after having been in the bottom four at or beyond midseason: Greater Western Sydney was 15th after round 12, and Carlton was 15th after round 15. No team had previously achieved a comparable late-season recovery since the 1970s.[114]
  • A VFL/AFL record 57 matches (including the grand final) were decided by a margin of ten points or less, breaking the previous record of 49 matches in 2014.[115]
  • Melbourne won the McClelland Trophy, the format of which was altered to a club championship including results from both the AFL and AFL Women's 2023 seasons. Under the points system, Melbourne won 128 points with a percentage of 142.3, clear of second-place Brisbane Lions, who won 116 points and 126.4 percentage.[116] It was Melbourne's sixth overall McClelland Trophy.

Milestones

[edit]
Round Player/official/venue Club Milestone
1 Melbourne Cricket Ground — 3000th VFL/AFL game hosted (Melbourne v Western Bulldogs)[117]
Dylan Shiel Essendon 200th AFL game
3 Damien Hardwick Richmond 300th AFL game coached[118]
David Swallow Gold Coast 200th AFL game (first to play 200 games for Gold Coast[119])
5 Tom Liberatore Western Bulldogs 200th AFL game
6 Todd Goldstein North Melbourne 300th AFL game (100th VFL/AFL player to do so[120])
7 Marcus Bontempelli Western Bulldogs 200th AFL game
8 Simon Meredith — 450th AFL game umpired[121]
9 Dion Prestia Richmond 200th AFL game
Steven May Melbourne 200th AFL game
10 Nick Vlastuin Richmond 200th AFL game
11 Mathew Nicholls — 400th AFL game umpired[122]
Toby Greene Greater Western Sydney 200th AFL game
Steele Sidebottom Collingwood 300th AFL game
12 Luke Breust Hawthorn 500th AFL goal
Jack Crisp Collingwood 200th consecutive AFL game[123]
13 Lance Franklin Sydney 350th AFL game
Taylor Walker Adelaide 250th AFL game
14 Trent Cotchin Richmond 300th AFL game
15 Chris Scott Geelong 300th AFL game coached[124]
17 Charlie Dixon Port Adelaide 200th AFL game
18 John Longmire Sydney 300th AFL game coached[125]
Brett Rosebury — 500th AFL game umpired[126]
Zach Merrett Essendon 200th AFL game
Rory Sloane Adelaide 250th AFL game
Lachie Whitfield Greater Western Sydney 200th AFL game
Jack Darling West Coast 500th AFL goal
19 Taylor Adams Collingwood 200th AFL game
21 Nick Haynes Greater Western Sydney 200th AFL game
Alastair Clarkson North Melbourne 400th AFL game coached[39]
22 Taylor Walker Adelaide 600th AFL goal
23 Will Hoskin-Elliott Collingwood 200th AFL game
Max Gawn Melbourne 200th AFL game
24 Stephen Coniglio Greater Western Sydney 200th AFL game
F1 Charlie Cameron Brisbane Lions 200th AFL game
GF Dayne Zorko Brisbane Lions 250th AFL game

Source: AFL Tables (players); other milestones sourced individually

Coach departures

[edit]
Outgoing coach Club Manner of departure Date of departure Caretaker coach Incoming coach Date of appointment
Damien Hardwick Richmond Stepped down mid-season 23 May 2023[127] Andrew McQualter[128] Adem Yze 21 September 2023[129]
Stuart Dew Gold Coast Dismissed mid-season 11 July 2023[130] Steven King[131] Damien Hardwick 21 August 2023[132]

Awards

[edit]

Leading goalkickers

[edit]
1 Led the goalkicking at the end of the round
1 Led the goalkicking at the end of the home-and-away season
11 Subscript indicates the player's goal tally to that point of the season
– Did not play during that round
X Had a bye during that round
# Player Club Home-and-away season (Coleman Medal) Finals series Total Games Average
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 F1 F2 F3 GF
1 Charlie Curnow Carlton 33 58 210 616 218 321 930 131 233 336 137 138 240 242 X42 345 348 351 1061 667 168 270 575 378 179 180 181 81 26 3.12
2 Taylor Walker Adelaide 11 23 03 47 310 414 115 318 523 –23 326 228 1038 X38 543 346 248 250 454 761 263 265 267 976 76 22 3.45
3 Nick Larkey North Melbourne 66 410 212 012 113 114 216 319 423 225 530 232 436 339 X39 342 244 145 348 250 151 556 662 971 71 23 3.09
4 Toby Greene Greater Western Sydney 44 48 19 211 314 216 420 –20 –20 222 426 329 332 436 X36 238 038 341 344 549 352 254 256 460 161 364 266 66 24 2.75
5 Joe Daniher Brisbane Lions 11 45 05 27 512 113 316 218 624 428 230 X30 030 232 234 539 039 241 243 043 245 146 349 251 556 X56 258 361 61 26 2.35
6 Charlie Cameron Brisbane Lions 00 22 13 69 413 720 222 426 026 228 432 X32 234 034 135 237 037 239 140 242 244 347 451 253 255 X55 156 359 59 26 2.27
7 Oscar Allen West Coast 22 24 37 310 414 216 218 422 224 125 429 332 133 X33 235 237 138 341 041 243 245 146 349 453 53 23 2.30
Jeremy Cameron Geelong 22 68 311 718 422 527 330 333 134 034 236 238 X38 139 039 –39 –39 140 343 144 246 753 053 –53 53 20 2.65
9 Kyle Langford Essendon 00 55 16 17 29 312 012 214 216 117 320 424 125 X25 126 329 332 133 235 540 545 348 250 151 51 23 2.22
10 Tom Hawkins Geelong 22 13 03 25 49 514 822 123 326 329 130 232 X32 234 135 237 340 545 045 247 –47 –47 249 –49 49 20 2.45
Jesse Hogan Greater Western Sydney 33 36 28 08 210 212 214 216 319 221 021 122 224 –24 X24 024 428 129 –29 –29 231 132 941 142 244 448 149 49 23 2.13

Source: AFL Tables

Club best and fairest

[edit]
Player(s) Club Award Ref.
Jordan Dawson Adelaide Malcolm Blight Medal [133]
Harris Andrews Brisbane Lions Merrett–Murray Medal [134]
Jacob Weitering Carlton John Nicholls Medal [135]
Josh Daicos Collingwood Copeland Trophy [136]
Zach Merrett Essendon Crichton Medal [137]
Caleb Serong Fremantle Doig Medal [138]
Tom Stewart Geelong Carji Greeves Medal [139]
Noah Anderson Gold Coast Club Champion [140]
Toby Greene Greater Western Sydney Kevin Sheedy Medal [141]
Will Day Hawthorn Peter Crimmins Medal [142]
Christian Petracca Melbourne Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy [143]
Harry Sheezel North Melbourne Syd Barker Medal [144]
Zak Butters Port Adelaide John Cahill Medal [145]
Tim Taranto Richmond Jack Dyer Medal [146]
Jack Sinclair St Kilda Trevor Barker Award [147]
Errol Gulden Sydney Bob Skilton Medal [148]
Tim Kelly West Coast John Worsfold Medal [149]
Marcus Bontempelli Western Bulldogs Charles Sutton Medal [150]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Lutton, Phil (12 May 2019). "Magic Round tricks every box as crowds respond to Brisbane event". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 13 October 2022. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  2. ^ "AFL news 2022: Extra round, all games in one state, magic round, new fixture in 2023, details, Gillon McLachlan interview". 20 September 2022. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  3. ^ "Dom fires up in AFL war of words after SA's 'sloppy seconds' Sydney whack". 11 November 2022. Archived from the original on 26 November 2022. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  4. ^ "'Gather Round ... A Festival of Footy' is headed to South Australia". AFL Media. 9 December 2022. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  5. ^ "AFL confirms four field umpires for 2023 season". afl.com.au. 1 March 2023. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  6. ^ Twomey, Callum (28 November 2022). "No more medi-sub: AFL to bring in new substitute rule". afl.com.au. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  7. ^ Valencich, Glenn (19 August 2022). "Alastair Clarkson picks North Melbourne over Essendon in seismic AFL coaching decision". Seven News. Archived from the original on 9 January 2023. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  8. ^ Australian Associated Press (22 August 2022). "Adam Kingsley appointed to GWS coach role". ESPN. Archived from the original on 9 January 2023. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  9. ^ Niall, Jake; Baum, Greg (29 September 2022). "Essendon announce Brad Scott as new senior coach on long-term deal". The Age. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  10. ^ Maddocks, Tom (24 October 2022). "Ross Lyon returns to St Kilda as coach 11 years after leaving for Fremantle". ABC News. Archived from the original on 9 January 2023. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  11. ^ "Crows confirm 2023 leadership group". Adelaide Football Club. 17 February 2023. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  12. ^ a b Smith, Martin (7 March 2023). "Who's in, who's out? Your club's captains, leadership group for 2023". afl.com.au. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  13. ^ "History beckons Darcy Moore". Collingwood Football Club. 1 February 2023. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  14. ^ "Merrett appointed Bombers captain". Essendon Football Club. 21 February 2023. Archived from the original on 21 February 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  15. ^ "Alex Pearce named as Fremantle's 10th captain". Fremantle Football Club. 23 February 2023. Archived from the original on 23 February 2023. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
  16. ^ Kalaja, Sarah (25 February 2023). "Patrick Dangerfield appointed captain of the Cats, Tom Stewart named vice". Geelong Football Club. Archived from the original on 25 February 2023. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
  17. ^ "2023 leadership group announced". Gold Coast Suns. 3 March 2023. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  18. ^ "Greene to lead Giants into new era". Greater Western Sydney Giants. 15 February 2023. Archived from the original on 15 February 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  19. ^ "Sicily to captain Hawks in 2023". Hawthorn Football Club. 17 February 2023. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  20. ^ "Gawn, Viney to lead again in 2023". Melbourne Football Club. 27 January 2023. Archived from the original on 2 March 2023. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
  21. ^ "History made as 2023 leaders revealed". North Melbourne Football Club. 20 January 2023. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  22. ^ Founten, Lucas (13 February 2023). "Port Adelaide confirms 2023 leadership group". Port Adelaide Football Club. Archived from the original on 13 February 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
  23. ^ "Co-captains reappointed for 2023 AFL season". Richmond Football Club. 16 February 2023. Archived from the original on 16 February 2023. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
  24. ^ "Steele to skipper Saints in anniversary year". St Kilda Football Club. 2 March 2023. Archived from the original on 1 March 2023. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
  25. ^ "Mills, Rampe and Parker continue to lead Swans". Sydney Swans. 21 February 2023. Archived from the original on 21 February 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  26. ^ "Shuey to lead West Coast Eagles for fourth season". West Coast Eagles. 31 January 2023. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  27. ^ "Bontempelli remains Bulldogs skipper". Western Bulldogs. 15 February 2023. Archived from the original on 15 February 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  28. ^ a b Hope, Shayne (19 April 2023). "Banned players' teammates urge AFL to end the confusion: 'Random and chaotic'". Seven News. Archived from the original on 25 May 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  29. ^ Morgan, Cassandra (14 March 2023). "Geelong premiership hero Max Rooke leading new legal action against AFL for 'life-altering injuries'". Seven News. Archived from the original on 9 April 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  30. ^ McKern, James (11 April 2023). "Will Day and Gary Rohan handed different bans over sling tackles". news.com.au. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  31. ^ Gabelich, Josh (12 June 2023). "Saints to challenge Butler ban as Tribunal cases stack up". afl.com.au. Archived from the original on 29 June 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  32. ^ Otto, Tyson (19 April 2023). "'It's a disgrace': AFL blasted over judiciary, suspension madness". news.com.au. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  33. ^ a b Healey, Catherine (19 April 2023). "'No moment's the same': How star escaped ban as AFL world left baffled". Fox Sports. Archived from the original on 26 April 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  34. ^ Australian Associated Press (15 June 2023). "Tackling crackdown asks 'hell of a lot' from players, says Horse". afl.com.au. Archived from the original on 14 June 2023. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  35. ^ Zita, David (21 April 2023). "AFL issues memo to clubs as Dons coach insists 'no confusion' on dangerous tackles". Fox Sports. Archived from the original on 28 April 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  36. ^