Sydney Swans fans turn out in record numbers for AFLW match but hundreds walk out before men’s fixture

Supporters held banners in support of women as others expressed conflicted feelings at SCG double-header

Some Sydney Swans fans have walked out of the Sydney Cricket Ground in protest during a historic double-header amid a scandal that has shaken Australian football.

Five AFL players – Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and James Jordon – have been stood down for the rest of the season by the Swans for breaching the club’s standards, https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/19/sydney-swans-players-sanctions-stood-down-rest-of-afl-season-ntwnfb">including drinking and bringing women back to their hotel after their round 23 win over Essendon.