Tigers, Hawks clash to open AFL finals

Melbourne's win over GWS means they will play Geelong in one elimination final, while the other is a derby between Sydney and the Giants.

Reigning premiers Richmond and powerhouse Hawthorn will launch the AFL finals series. (AAP)

Melbourne and Geelong, rather than Richmond and Hawthorn, will have the prime Friday night timeslot in week one of the AFL finals.

The Tigers and Hawks will open September with their MCG qualifying final on Thursday, September 6.

The MCG will host the Demons-Cats elimination final on the following night, with the AFL confirming the two non-Victorian finals for Saturday.

Sydney will host GWS in their derby elimination final at the SCG in a twilight game before West Coast play Collingwood in a night qualifying final.

There were long discussions at AFL House on Sunday about the Eagles opening the finals series with a Thursday night clash.

But it proved too hard, given the AFL didn't want any semi-final opponents having a two-day difference in their breaks.

"Using this fixturing model, all clubs who play in week two of the finals will have at least a seven-day break from week one into their next match," the AFL said.

The loser of the Richmond-Hawthorn match will host the winner of the Melbourne-Geelong game.

The loser of West Coast-Collingwood will host the Sydney derby winner in the other semi.

Next weekend is the pre-finals bye.