Two top-quality sides in Melbourne and Brisbane will battle it on a Friday night blockbuster, where the difference between winning or losing could cost either team a finals double chance.
The Demons are hopeful they can win without star Clayton Oliver, as the club looks to overcome a late-season lull.
Brisbane has the rare opportunity to test its merits at the MCG, where it has failed to roar in years past.
MORE: Clayton Oliver injury latest: When will Melbourne star return?
What time is the AFL tonight? Melbourne vs Brisbane start time
Friday night's game between the Melbourne and Brisbane will start at 7.50pm AEST.
The game will be played at the MCG, Melbourne.
| City | Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide | Perth |
| Time | 7.50pm | 7.50pm | 7.50pm | 7.20pm | 5.50pm |
How to watch or livestream Melbourne vs Brisbane
| Region | Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide | Perth | Tasmania | Darwin |
| Channel | Fox Footy/7mate | Fox Footy/Channel 7 | Fox Footy/Channel 7 | Fox Footy/Channel 7 | Fox Footy/7mate | Fox Footy/Channel 7 | Fox Footy/Channel 7 |
| Broadcast time | 7.30pm/7.00pm | 7.30pm | 7.30pm | 7.00pm | 5.30pm/5.00pm | 7.30pm | 7.00pm |
The game will be available for live streaming and replay on Kayo Sports.
MORE: AFL Injury List 2023
Melbourne vs Brisbane odds
Melbourne is favoured to win this game, paying $1.77 to the Brisbane's' $2.05 per BlueBet.
Melbourne vs Brisbane Round 18 team lists and substitute
Melbourne starting 22
Substitute: Joel Smith
| Full Back | Judd McVee | Harrison Petty | Jake Lever |
| Half Back | Jake Bowey | Steven May | Angus Brayshaw |
| Centre | Trent Rivers | Jack Viney | Taj Woewodin |
| Half Forward | Kysaiah Pickett | Jake Melksham | Ed Langdon |
| Full Forward | Charlie Spargo | Ben Brown | James Jordon |
| Followers | Max Gawn | Christian Petracca | Lachie Hunter |
| Interchange | Christian Salem | Alex Neal-Bullen | Jacob van Rooyen |
| Tom Sparrow | |||
| Emergencies | Luke Dunstan | Brodie Grundy | Joel Smith |
| Kade Chandler |
INS: Jacob van Rooyen
OUTS: Brodie Grundy (omitted), Joel Smith (sub)
Brisbane starting 22
Substitute: Deven Robertson
| Full Back | Brandon Starcevich | Harris Andrews | Jack Payne |
| Half Back | Conor McKenna | Ryan Lester | Keidean Coleman |
| Centre | Jaspa Fletcher | Zac Bailey | Hugh McCluggage |
| Half Forward | Charlie Cameron | Eric Hipwood | Lincoln McCarthy |
| Full Forward | Dayne Zorko | Joe Daniher | Cam Rayner |
| Followers | Oscar McInerney | Lachie Neale | Will Ashcroft |
| Interchange | Jack Gunston | Jarrod Berry | Jarryd Lyons |
| Darcy Wilmot | |||
| Emergencies | Deven Robertson | Darcy Fort | Darragh Joyce |
| Kai Lohmann |
INS: Jarrod Berry, Lincoln McCarthy
OUTS: James Madden (injured), Kai Lohmann (sub), Deven Robertson (omitted)