THE RACE for the 2026 McClelland Trophy is set for an exciting finish, with six teams still in contention following the conclusion of the AFLW home-and-away season.
The Geelong Cats are in the box seat to claim the Trophy and $1 million in prize money, with the Sydney Swans, Melbourne, Carlton, Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs all still in the running heading into the 2026 NAB AFLW Finals Series this weekend.
The McClelland Trophy is awarded to the best-performing club across both the Toyota AFL Premiership Season and NAB AFLW Competition, recognising excellence across the club’s men’s and women’s football programs.
Following changes to the criteria in 2025, the Trophy takes into account performances across the home-and-away seasons and finals series of both competitions.
At the completion of both seasons (inclusive of finals), each club is ranked based on its final finishing position in each competition, with the premier receiving 18 points, the runner-up 17 points and so on through to one point for 18th position. Each club’s AFL and AFLW rankings are then combined, with the club that records the highest overall score awarded the McClelland Trophy.
Where two clubs are eliminated in the same week of finals, their home-and-away ladder positions will determine the higher ranking. If two or more clubs finish on the same combined score, a tiebreaker will apply using McClelland Trophy points and then combined percentage.
Geelong enters the 2026 NAB AFLW Finals Series on 31 points, two points clear of Sydney on 29, with Melbourne, Carlton and Hawthorn each on 26. The Western Bulldogs also remain in the running on 24 points.
The winning club will receive $1 million in prize money, with $500,000 distributed across its AFL and AFLW players and $500,000 awarded to the club.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the McClelland Trophy recognised the considerable work required to build successful AFL and AFLW programs.
“The McClelland Trophy is a great recognition of clubs that are performing strongly across both their AFL and AFLW programs, and we have another exciting race unfolding this year,” Dillon said.
“Geelong has put itself in a strong position following impressive seasons across both competitions, while Sydney, Melbourne, Carlton, Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs remain in contention with AFLW finals still to come.
“The inclusion of finals means every result matters, and there is still plenty to play out before we crown the 2026 McClelland Trophy winner.
“We know how much work goes into building successful football programs and the McClelland Trophy is an opportunity to recognise the players, coaches, staff and everyone across a club who contributes to that success.”
The 2026 NAB AFLW Finals Series begins on Saturday afternoon with both qualifying finals taking place as part of an exciting double-header at IKON Park. The Geelong Cats take on Melbourne from 1.05pm AEDT, before North Melbourne face Carlton at 4.05pm AEDT.
The action continues on Sunday with both elimination finals, starting with the Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs at Henson Park from 1.05pm AEDT, while the Gold Coast SUNS host Hawthorn at People First Stadium from 2.05pm AEST.
Tickets for Week 1 of the 2026 NAB AFLW Finals Series are now on sale via Ticketmaster (or Ticketek for People First Stadium).
Fans can access both matches of the IKON Park double-header with one ticket and enjoy a full day of finals footy.
Get two NAB AFLW qualifying final games for the price of one at Saturday’s Ikon Park double-header! Geelong takes on Melbourne, before North Melbourne hosts Carlton. All spectators need a ticket - adults $15, kids under 15 free. Get your tickets here