Sydney Swans secure prestigious McClelland Trophy and its lucrative windfall

The Sydney Swans have claimed the McClelland Trophy and its $1 million prize, following their AFLW side's progression to the final four.

The Trophy recognises whole-of-club performance, rewarding the combined on-field excellence of the winning club's AFL and AFLW programs.

The Swans entered the AFLW finals series in second, trailing Geelong, but by virtue of Geelong's straight-sets exit, the Swans surpassed those of a hooped persuasion.

Half of the prize money will be distributed among the Swans' AFL and AFLW players, with the other half awarded to the club.

In a statement, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon acknowledged the Swans' achievement.

“On behalf of the AFL, I'd like to congratulate the Sydney Swans on claiming the 2026 McClelland Trophy," it read.

“To have both its AFL and AFLW teams reach a preliminary final in the same year is a fantastic achievement and a credit to everyone across the club."

Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich echoed Dillon's sentiments.

“To have both our AFL and AFLW teams reach preliminary finals this year is something we're very proud of.

“It's a whole-of-club attitude and effort, from our players, coaches and staff across both programs and reflects the contribution and hard work of so many people across the club.

“We're incredibly grateful for our members and fans, who have turned up and watched both teams throughout the season, and I'd like to thank them for their ongoing passion and support.”

The Swans are the fourth club to claim the gong under its revised, combined format, joining Melbourne in 2023, Hawthorn in 2024 and the Brisbane Lions in 2025.

After each competition's finals series, clubs are awarded a points value for their final ladder position. First place is worth 18 points, second, 17, all the way down the 18th, worth a solitary point.

Table at the conclusion of AFLW semi-final weekend:

* Denotes clubs still alive in the AFLW finals.