Sydney Swans McClelland Trophy, Digi Mart USA News: The Sydney Swans have claimed the McClelland Trophy and its $1 million prize, according to a publisher report. The award recognises whole-of-club performance by combining the on-field results of a club’s AFL and AFLW programs.
The Swans entered the AFLW finals series in second place, behind Geelong. Geelong’s straight-sets exit meant the Swans finished ahead of the Cats in the combined standings, securing the trophy.
Half of the prize money will be shared among the Swans’ AFL and AFLW players, with the other half going to the club. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon congratulated the club, saying it was a fantastic achievement for both its AFL and AFLW teams to reach a preliminary final in the same year.
Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich credited players, coaches and staff across both programs, and thanked members and fans for their support throughout the season.
The Swans are the fourth club to win the award under its revised combined format, following Melbourne in 2023, Hawthorn in 2024 and the Brisbane Lions in 2025. Under the format, clubs receive points based on their final ladder position in each competition, with first place worth 18 points and 18th worth one point.
At the conclusion of AFLW semi-final weekend, the Swans led the combined table on 31 points, ahead of Geelong and Hawthorn on 28 points each, and Melbourne and Carlton on 27 points each.
