Hobart’s Eastern Shore and Tasmanian football enthusiasts are gearing up for a significant day of Australian Rules Football, with a packed schedule of Round 23 matches set to unfold today, Saturday, August 15, 2026. ABC News Tasmania reported that the day features a triple treat of games, culminating in a highly anticipated Hawthorn versus Collingwood blockbuster.
The day’s football frenzy kicks off with Richmond taking on St Kilda at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in an early afternoon clash. This match is scheduled for 12:35 PM AEST, as confirmed by various AFL fixture reports.
Following this, attention will turn north for the fierce Queensland derby, known as the Q-Clash. The Brisbane Lions are set to host the Gold Coast Suns at the Gabba, with the bounce scheduled for 4:15 PM AEST. The Q-Clash is a significant rivalry between Queensland’s two AFL teams, the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns, a contest that has been a staple of the AFL calendar since 2011. The Lions have historically held a dominant record in this rivalry.
The highlight for many, particularly those with a keen interest in Hawthorn’s fortunes, will be the evening showdown between the Hawthorn Hawks and Collingwood Magpies. This match, described by ABC News Tasmania as a “blockbuster,” is slated for a 7:40 PM AEST start at the iconic MCG. This fixture is widely considered the “game of the round” for Round 23. For Tasmanian supporters, Hawthorn’s presence in such a high-stakes game adds an extra layer of interest, given the club’s strong historical ties to the state.
Round 23 of the AFL season runs from Friday, August 14, to Sunday, August 16, 2026, marking a crucial period as teams vie for final ladder positions ahead of the finals series. With the season drawing to a close, every match carries significant weight, impacting potential top-six finishes and the newly introduced Wildcard Round.
Football fans can follow live coverage of these matches through the original ABC News Tasmania report.