Finally, Fitzpatrick's moment comes

Before Jack Fitzpatrick kicked Hawthorn's biggest goal on Sunday he was a seven-year-old diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.

West Coast defender Tom Barrass wins last Rising Star nod

Young West Coast defender Tom Barrass has snared the final Rising Star nomination for 2016.

Richmond Tigers dump five coaches

Punt Road shakeup hits hard and fast with five assistant coaches told not to report to work.

Giants say inexperience not an issue in finals

Greater Western Sydney believe the fast-tracking in the development of their young stars will help offset a lack of finals experience heading into the Giants' debut September campaign.

Pies' list can be shaped by VFL finals showings: Sidebottom

Collingwood star Steele Sidebottom says spots on the club's list in 2017 could still be decided by performances in the VFL finals series.

Buddy Franklin relishing finals action

Sydney superstar Lance Franklin says he is having just as good a year as 2014 when he won the Coleman Medal and spearheaded the Swans' charge to the grand final.

Key Hawk given all clear by AFL MRP

Important Hawthorn defender Josh Gibson is free to play against Geelong in their highly anticipated AFL qualifying final clash after he was cleared by the match review panel of any wrongdoing for his high hit on Collingwood's Levi Greenwood.

Ultimate Footy: Four Rs, round 23

The Right, wRong, Ridiculous and Regrettable from round 23 of the AFL season.

All-Australian squad named: Zach Merrett misses out

The 40-man AFL All-Australian squad has been announced, with Adelaide leading the charge, represented by six players.

Lions urged to not hinder flag contenders in coaching hunt

While an official anti-tampering policy has been rejected by clubs, the Brisbane Lions have been encouraged to follow the right protocols when seeking a replacement for sacked coach, Justin Leppitsch.

Finals microscope: Geelong

As the finals beckon, we take a look at each of the final eight clubs in the premiership race. We start with Geelong.

Leppitsch sacking: the call that finished off a wounded Lion

Justin Leppitsch did not go to work on Monday, the now-former Brisbane Lions coach asking club chairman Bob Sharpless to phone him when the board's decision regarding his future was made. It was a very short phone call.

Leppitsch just first casualty as Lions turn on one another

• ANALYSIS

The inevitable sacking of Justin Leppitsch might have been "a horrible day" for the Brisbane Lions but rest assured there are plenty more to come.

Lions' season in review

It's hard to believe the hapless Lions could have followed their 17th-placed finish in 2015 with an even worse 2016, but that's how it transpired.

Lions axe Justin Leppitsch

• UPDATED

The Brisbane Lions have axed coach Justin Leppitsch despite the club great having a year to go on his contract.

AFL 101: three things we worked out from round 23

Everything you could possibly need to know ahead of this weekend's start of the finals. Wait, there's no footy this weekend?

Walls: Cripps needs to analyse 'Diesel' Williams

Former Carlton premiership player and coach Robert Walls has urged emerging star Patrick Cripps to analyse what made legendary midfielder Greg Williams so great

AFL finals week off is a wrong move

The league have taken a big gamble itn introducing a week's break.

Your guide to week one of the AFL finals

We've got an extra week to contemplate the first round of this year's final series, but let's not waste any time. Here's your guide to the four match-ups.

Rohan Connolly: The Last Word on round 23

Masters of the great escape survive another scare, post-season shake-out begins for some commendable also-rans.

NRL surrendered to AFL over finals at ANZ Stadium

The NRL has surrendered to the AFL, allowing its rival to host an all Sydney semi-final match at ANZ Stadium on Saturday September 10, despite the Bulldogs having priority over the use of the Homebush venue.

Bombers debate whether to trade No.1 draft pick

Essendon coach John Worsfold says the door to the Bombers trading the No.1 pick in the national draft remains open in a bid to fast-track their rise up the ladder.

Lions to make announcement on Leppitsch's future

The Brisbane Lions are set to make a call on coach Justin Leppitsch's future, with an announcement set for 1pm on Monday.

Buckley, Thomas in war of words over US plan

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and former St Kilda counterpart Grant Thomas have engaged in a war of words on social media after it emerged Buckley will head to the US in the off-season in a bid to find ways to improve the Magpies' chances of returning to the finals.

St Kilda's captain for 2017 won't be known until February

Nick Riewoldt had played one of his greatest games, so the question was inevitable: should St Kilda continue with their ageless veteran as the club's skipper in 2017?

Essendon finished 18th, but it wasn't your usual season

Essendon won their first wooden spoon since 1933, but there is much for the club and its supporters to feel optimistic about.

Rockliff backs Leppitsch to stay on as coach at Lions

Brisbane's Justin Leppitsch has earned the right to coach on in 2017, according to captain Tom Rockliff.

Age Footballer of the Year: Round 23 votes

Round 23 votes for The Age Footballer of the Year award for the 2016 premiership season.

Freo show Dogs new tricks in Pavlich farewell

Bright note to end Dockers dismal season, with win over Dogs in farewell game for retiring champion Matthew Pavlich.

Lyon wants 'empowered' Dockers buy-in

Fremantle farewell club champion and former skipper Matthew Pavlich, as coach looks to leadership group for input on future direction.

Jumping Jack (Fitzpatrick) helps club into top four and clash with Geelong

Hawthorn will launch their latest premiership defence from the top four after a one-point win against Collingwood lifted them up the ladder and into double-chance territory.

Finals hold 'no fears at all' for Giants

Greater Western Sydney forward Jonathon Patton has declared the Giants fear no one heading into their first finals campaign.

Fremantle fans celebrate as Pavlich boots 700th goal in final game

It was a goal celebration that sat in stark contrast to a miserable season but for Fremantle Dockers supporters it will form one of the few bright memories of 2016.

Giants to make finals debut against Swans in Sydney derby

The Swans' SCG finals homecoming will have to wait after the AFL's dream of a September Sydney derby was realised on Sunday.