Sydney Swans claim 2026 McClelland Trophy and $1 million prize

The Sydney Swans have claimed the 2026 McClelland Trophy and its $1 million prize after reaching the preliminary finals of the 2026 NAB AFLW Finals Series on Saturday (November 14). The Swans' progression to the final four has guaranteed the club the highest combined finishing position across the Toyota AFL and NAB AFLW competitions, with 31 points — three clear of Geelong and Hawthorn on 28.

Second entering the finals, now top with an unassailable lead

Sydney entered the 2026 NAB AFLW Finals Series second in the McClelland Trophy standings with 29 points — two points behind Geelong on 31 — before moving into top spot and establishing an unassailable lead with two weeks of the finals series remaining. Half of the prize money will be distributed among the Swans' AFL and AFLW players, with the other half awarded to the club.

Fourth club to win under the combined format; both teams in preliminary finals

The McClelland Trophy recognises the best-performing club across its AFL and AFLW programs, taking into account performances across the home-and-away seasons and finals series of both competitions. Sydney is the fourth club to win the trophy under its combined AFL and AFLW format, following Melbourne in 2023, Hawthorn in 2024 and the Brisbane Lions in 2025. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said having both its AFL and AFLW teams reach a preliminary final in the same year is a fantastic achievement; Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich said it reflects a whole-of-club effort. The Swans will face reigning premier North Melbourne in an AFLW preliminary final at IKON Park on Saturday afternoon, kicking off at 1.05pm AEDT.

Source: Sydney Swans (official website).