Planning and patience are bywords of successful clubs in the 21st century, and to be fair, most people involved at Carlton and Essendon have known that for some time.

Essendon and Carlton will be handed one final match in the coveted, prime-time Thursday-night slot in round 24 when the AFL finalises its contentious floating fixture.

Essendon onballer Sam Durham is facing suspension for what has been criticised as his "black-and-white" high bump on Carlton opponent Adam Cerra.