The 2026 AFL Awards kicked off at Centerpiece in Melbourne on Monday evening.
But despite a packed guest list featuring the code’s biggest footy players and their glamorous WAGS, there were some very notable absences from the red carpet.
While six Sydney Swans players were honored on the night, not one was seen as the beleaguered team struggled through a high-profile attacking scandal.
Coleman medalist Charlie Curnow, who was eligible for the Most Valuable Player award, was a no-show.
In what has been described as an ‘awkward moment’, Curnow was named among the nominees and his 2026 season was shown in a pre-recorded segment for Fox Footy’s television broadcast – but he was nowhere to be seen.
Also up for awards are Swans players Isaac Heeney, Brodie Grundy, Harry Kyle, Callum Mills and James Rowbottom. All were absent.
The 2026 AFL Awards kicked off at Centerpiece in Melbourne on Monday evening. Leading the way on the red carpet was footy presenter Megan Waters, who showed off her impressive figure in a plunging black dress that showed off plenty of skin.
AFL power couple Kelsey Browne and Luke Jackson of the Dockers made a great pair, with the former netballer stunning in a maroon gown with peek-a-boo cutouts
Jagga Smith of the Blues had a beautiful date on his arm, who chose a black one-shoulder dress fit for a Hollywood red carpet
Leading the way on the red carpet was footy presenter Megan Waters, who showed off her impressive figure in a plunging black dress that showed off plenty of skin.
AFL power couple Kelsey Browne and Luke Jackson of the Dockers made a fine pair, with the former netballer looking stunning in a maroon gown with peek-a-boo cutouts.
Jagga Smith of the Blues had a beautiful date on his arm, who chose a black one-shoulder dress fit for a Hollywood red carpet.
The Hawks’ Jarman Impey brought along his wife Annabelle, who turned heads in a figure-hugging red dress with a corseted bodice.
Eagles player Josh Lindsay had a beautiful blonde date on his arm, who stood out in a deep baby blue dress.
Fremantle star Josh Treacy brought along partner Nikki Miller, who showed off a flash of flesh in an asymmetrical deep brown top, worn with a glittering sequined skirt.
The Crows’ Wayne Milera showed off his beautiful wife Nina Starkey, who opted for a figure-hugging maroon dress with ruched bodice.
Lions star Zac Bailey brought along partner Emilie, who opted for a classy black dress with a thigh-high slit.
The Hawks’ Jarman Impey brought his wife Annabelle, who turned heads in a figure-hugging red dress with a corseted bodice
Eagles player Josh Lindsay had a beautiful blonde date on his arm, who stood out in a deep baby blue dress
Fremantle star Josh Treacy brought along partner Nikki Miller, who showed off a flash of flesh in an asymmetrical deep brown top, worn with a glittering sequin skirt
The Crows’ Wayne Milera showed off his beautiful wife Nina Starkey, who opted for a figure-hugging maroon dress with ruched bodice
Lions star Zac Bailey brought along partner Emilie, who opted for a stylish black dress with a thigh-high slit
Former AFL star Mitch Brown enjoyed a date night with his pregnant partner Louisa Keck, who showed off her blossoming baby bump in a bright yellow floral frock.
Brisbane Lions’ Harris Andrews teamed up with partner Emily Halverson, with the blonde opting for a black ’90s-style slip dress, with white lace detailing at the bust.
Saints star Callum Wilkie had Isabel Lokan on his arm as the brunette beauty put on a busty show in a black, strapless dress.
Suns player Leonardo Lombard’s date opted for a black and white dress with a full skirt and a sweetheart neckline.
Ty Gallop of the Lions has a beautiful blonde in tow, who opted for a red dress with a draped design, paired with a metal clutch bag.
Lions player Logan Morris also made it a date night, with his blonde partner in a classic black dress and designer straw bag.
Dockers player Shai Bolton brought along partner Hasina Baluch, who opted for a deep brown halter dress that hugged her figure before ending in a full skirt.
The Dockers’ Murphy Reid brought along girlfriend Charlize McRae, with the brunette showing off her figure in a figure-hugging dark purple dress.
Former AFL star Mitch Brown enjoyed a date night with his pregnant partner Louisa Keck, who showed off her blossoming baby bump in a bright yellow floral frock
Brisbane Lions’ Harris Andrews teamed up with partner Emily Halverson, with the blonde choosing a black ’90s-style slip dress with white lace detailing at the bust
Saints star Callum Wilkie had Isabel Lokan on his arm as the brunette beauty put on a busty show in a black, strapless dress
Suns player Leonardo Lombard’s date opted for a black and white dress with a full skirt and a sweetheart neckline
Ty Gallop of the Lions has a beautiful blonde in tow, who opted for a red dress with a draped design, paired with a metallic clutch bag
Lions player Logan Morris also made it a date night, with his blonde partner in a classic black dress and carrying a designer straw bag
Dockers player Shai Bolton brought along partner Hasina Baluch, who opted for a deep brown halter dress that hugged her figure before ending in a full skirt
The Dockers’ Murphy Reid brought along girlfriend Charlize McRae, with the brunette showing off her figure in a figure-hugging dark purple dress
New single Bailey Smith did well, posing alongside Geelong teammate Oliver Dempsey
New single Bailey Smith did well, posing alongside Geelong teammate Oliver Dempsey.
The absence of Sydney Swans players from the prestigious awards ceremony comes at a time when the club is embroiled in scandals.
Five players were withdrawn after it was revealed they held a wild private party in their room at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel in the early hours of Monday, August 17, following their win over Essendon at the nearby MCG.
Three women subsequently reported the incident to the police for inappropriate behavior.
The club has since dismissed Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, Riley Bice and James Jordon for the remainder of the AFL season, a decision separate from Victoria Police’s investigation into an alleged sexual assault case.
The Daily Mail does not suggest that any of the Swans players mentioned are under police investigation or involved in any misconduct alleged by the women.
Four of the five players are in relationships, with only Heeney’s fiancée Steffie Waters pictured since the fallout after she fled to Noosa to stay with family.
Heeney is said to have remained in Sydney.
There was one Sydney Swans player among the major prize winners on Monday night.
Charlie Curnow won the Coleman Medal, albeit for his time at Carlton, which ended with his trade to the Swans last year, but he was not there to receive the honour.
Collingwood’s Nick Daicos walked away with the Most Valuable Player award and the Champion Player of the Year award.
The Telstra AFL Rising Star nod went to Jagga Smith, while best captain was awarded to Adelaide’s Jordan Dawson.
The Most Courageous Player was also awarded to Jordan Dawson.
Best first year player went to Carlton’s Harry Dean, and best emerging player went to St Kilda’s Max Hall and Fremantle’s Murphy Reid.
Defensive Player of the Year was awarded to St Kilda’s Callum Wilkie.
