The Sydney Swans secured a stunning 53-point upset victory over the reigning back-to-back premiers, the Brisbane Lions, in a qualifying final at the SCG on Saturday. The Swans triumphed 21.15 (141) to 13.10 (88), overcoming the absence of five key players who are currently serving club-imposed suspensions.
Logan McDonald led the understrength Sydney side with a career-best six goals, providing significant energy in a match that saw captain Callum Mills go down with a suspected ACL tear in the opening quarter. Charlie Curnow and Tom Papley also contributed heavily with five goals each. The Swans' performance was near complete, as they won every quarter and established a dominant lead early in the game.
The five suspended Swans players are reportedly involved in a sexual assault scandal that allegedly occurred at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne on August 17. The club has not provided further details on the suspensions, which rule the players out for the remainder of the season.
Sydney's victory sets them up to host a preliminary final at the SCG, where they will face either Fremantle or Geelong. The team is already without vice-captain Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, and Nick Blakey, in addition to Mills's suspected season-ending injury.
Brisbane will return to the Gabba for a semi-final against either the Western Bulldogs or Adelaide as they continue their bid for a third consecutive premiership. The Lions' effort saw Oscar Allen kick four goals, while veteran defender Dayne Zorko was a standout with 26 disposals. Co-captain Hugh McCluggage, returning from a calf injury, appeared rusty.
McDonald's performance was particularly noteworthy against star Lions defender Harris Andrews, marking a significant redemption for the 23-year-old who missed the entire 2025 season due to injury and had minimal impact in the 2024 grand final loss. Papley, despite a calf issue sustained during warm-ups, equaled his career-best goal tally. Midfielder Errol Gulden was also instrumental, recording 34 disposals and kicking a crucial goal in the third quarter, while Hayden McLean added three goals.
James Rowbottom of the Swans played a key role in nullifying Brisbane's Lachie Neale, who had 18 disposals. The match was played under challenging conditions at the SCG, with strong winds up to 55km/h impacting play in the second quarter. Despite the weather, Sydney maintained their dominance in centre clearances throughout the match.