Swans fans deserve to feel disappointed, but hope for better days

August 23, 2026 — 6:00pm

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The Sydney Swans are swathed in scandal and still in limbo with five players on the road to perdition, but the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday perhaps provided a glimpse of redemption.

The Swans AFLW squad, the unwilling casualty of the ongoing stain engulfing the men’s team, defeated Essendon in the second round of the season and attracted 16,672 supporters – more than double the previous record spectator turnout.

It was the first time the club’s AFL and AFLW teams had shared a doubleheader at the SCG, and only the second time the women played at the stadium. Although some walked out when the first game was over, other loyal........

© The Sydney Morning Herald