Essendon will take on Collingwood in a Friday night blockbuster at the MCG in round 23 after the AFL announced the final fixture for the previously floating round on Tuesday.

The bitter rivals will clash from 7:50pm on August 23 in what shapes as a potential season-defining match as both sides fight for a finals berth.

Both teams will enter the game off a six-day break following interstate games, with the Bombers taking on Fremantle at Optus Stadium and the Magpies travelling to take on Adelaide in round 22.

Tickets go on sale via Ticketek at 7am on Wednesday, August 7.