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.

The Swans’ progression to the final four has guaranteed the club the highest combined finishing position across the Toyota AFL and NAB AFLW competitions.

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 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.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillion said:

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

“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.

“The McClelland Trophy is great recognition of Sydney’s performances across both competitions this year, and we look forward to seeing what the remainder of the AFLW Finals Series brings.”

Sydney Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich said:

“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.”

Sydney is the fourth club to win the McClelland Trophy under its combined AFL and AFLW format, following Melbourne in 2023, Hawthorn in 2024 and the Brisbane Lions in 2025.

The Swans will face reigning premier North Melbourne as part of an exciting AFLW preliminary finals double-header at IKON Park on Saturday afternoon, kicking off at 1.05pm AEDT. Melbourne will then host Carlton from 4.05pm AEDT, with fans able to access both matches with one ticket and enjoy a huge day of finals action.

Tickets for the preliminary finals will go on sale on tomorrow, Monday 16 November, via Ticketmaster at 11am AEDT for competing Club and AFL Members, and 1pm AEDT for the general public.

2026 McClelland Trophy standings after AFLW Semi Finals 

*Still active in the 2026 NAB AFLW Finals Series.