Sydney Swans engage external advisers to review club culture
The Sydney Swans have engaged external advisers to review the club's culture following recent off-field incidents. The move follows an August hotel incident that resulted in five player suspensions, as well as Tom Papley allegedly testing positive for methylamphetamine during a roadside test on Monday. Chief executive Matthew Pavlich and chairman Andrew Pridham apologised unreservedly to members in a statement on Thursday.
Steven May and Dion Prestia sued over alleged Sorrento altercation
Former AFL premiership players Steven May and Dion Prestia are being sued over an alleged fight outside a Sorrento hotel on Boxing Day in 2024. The Supreme Court heard on Friday that the alleged victim is suing the pair alongside two other men. Criminal charges against May and Prestia were dropped earlier this year, and both have denied involvement.
Adelaide delists four AFLW players including Hannah Ewings and Kiera Mueller
Adelaide has delisted four AFLW players, informing Kiera Mueller, Brooke Smith, Hannah Ewings and Georgia McKee that their contracts will not be renewed for the 2027 season. Mueller played 37 games for the Crows, while 2022 Rising Star winner Ewings made three appearances after crossing from Port Adelaide. Both Smith and the uncapped McKee missed the 2026 season due to ACL injuries.
Colin O'Riordan says Sydney AFLW team focused despite Tom Papley controversy
Sydney AFLW coach Colin O'Riordan says his side will not be distracted by Tom Papley's alleged positive roadside drug test ahead of Sunday's elimination final against the Western Bulldogs. O'Riordan praised the maturity of the playing group, noting their focus remains entirely on their first home final at Henson Park despite the club's off-field controversies.
St Kilda delists Darcy Guttridge and Rene Caris
St Kilda has delisted Darcy Guttridge and Rene Caris ahead of the 2027 AFLW season. Guttridge, an inaugural Saint, played 67 matches for the club after starting her career with Collingwood. Caris made 20 appearances for St Kilda following previous stints with Geelong and Greater Western Sydney.
Finn Maginness explains decision to leave Hawthorn for the Western Bulldogs
Finn Maginness says conversations with coach Luke Beveridge convinced him to leave Hawthorn for the Western Bulldogs. The 25-year-old utility, who played 64 games as a father-son recruit for the Hawks, sought greater opportunity after making only six senior appearances this year. Maginness added that watching the Bulldogs' Wildcard Round win sold him on the move before his trade went through.
Western Bulldogs make four changes for elimination final against Sydney
The Western Bulldogs have made four changes for Sunday's AFLW elimination final against the Sydney Swans at Henson Park. Ellie Blackburn, Isabelle Pritchard, Ellie Gavalas and Analea McKee come into the side. Co-captain De Berry, Lou Stephenson, Sarah Poustie and Brooke Barwick have been omitted.
Gold Coast confirm five changes for Elimination Final against Hawthorn
Gold Coast have finalised their team for Sunday's Elimination Final against Hawthorn at People First Stadium, making five changes. Clara Fitzpatrick returns for her 50th game alongside Charlotte Wilson, Daisy D'Arcy, Ava Usher and Dekota Baron. Mia Salisbury, Elise Barwick and Alannah Welsh have been omitted, while Meara Girvan and Rhianna Ingram miss out through concussion protocols.
Jasmine Garner wins record fourth AFLW Champion Player of the Year Award
North Melbourne captain Jasmine Garner has won the 2026 AFL Coaches Association AFLW Champion Player of the Year Award for a record fourth time. Garner polled 102 votes to finish ahead of Gold Coast's Charlie Rowbottom on 95 and Geelong's Georgie Prespakis on 93, having received votes in every game. The 32-year-old previously claimed the honour in 2020, 2022 and 2023.
Tom Papley returns positive preliminary roadside drug test
Sydney forward Tom Papley allegedly returned a positive roadside drug test for methylamphetamine after being pulled over on Monday, according to Mitch Cleary. The Swans confirmed Papley was issued a court attendance notice for driving with a suspended licence due to an unpaid parking fine. A secondary sample was taken for further analysis.