The loser of Sunday's AFL qualifying final faces a double blow heading into the semi-finals.

Not only do either St Kilda or Collingwood miss the week off, but they also face a six-day break.

St Kilda, the minor premiers, will play the Magpies after Collingwood slipped from third to fourth with the round-22 loss to the Western Bulldogs.

The Saints' status as top side meant they were guaranteed at least a seven-day break until the opening week of the finals.

The winner of the Saints-Magpies match receives the week off ahead of their preliminary final.

The loser plays the winner of Friday night's elimination final between Adelaide and Essendon at AAMI Stadium.

The Crows will start as strong favourites and the winner of that game receives an eight-day break before the semi-final, to be played at the MCG.

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