AFL

Following one of the most tumultuous weeks in the club’s 152-year history there continue to be reports that furious Sydney Swans fans could boycott the men’s game in Sunday’s historic AFLW/AFL double header at the SCG.

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The Swans AFLW side take the field first when they meet Essendon at 12:30pm, followed by the AFL side’s Week 24 clash with North Melbourne at 3:20pm.

In addition to suggestions of a walk-out protest at the conclusion of the AFLW match, ticket sales are also said to be down for the final home match before the 2026 AFL Finals Series begins.

The news comes as Victorian Police continue a sexual assault investigation involving five Sydney Swans players — Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Chad Warner — who have all been stood down by the club for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season.

MORE: Sydney Swans slam ‘misinformation’ as police investigation continues

Earlier in the week Sydney AFLW coach Colin O’Riordan urged fans to get behind the Swans women’s team calling them a ‘beacon of light’ in a dark week for the club.

Asked about threats of a possible walk-out ahead of the men’s match on Sunday, Swans captain Lucy McEvoy said it was important for the club to stick together.

“I can appreciate why people would potentially do that (walk out), but as a club, we’re staying united,” she said.

“The best way to get through this is to support us right now.

“It’s going to be a really special day for our football club, and we hope that we can get as many fans there as possible.”

According to the official AFL Tables tracking portal, the Swans have averaged home crowds of 36,529 across their previous 11 matches at the SCG this season.

Today’s matches mark the first time the Swans AFL and AFLW teams have played at the SCG on the same day. It’s also just the second time the Swans AFLW team has played for premiership points on the SCG.

AFL

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