Sydney thrashed Brisbane by 53 points in an AFL qualifying final at the SCG, reviving a season the club's chair had described as 'torpedoed' even after five players were suspended.
Key facts
- Sydney defeated Brisbane 21.15 (141) to 13.10 (88) in a qualifying final at the SCG.
- The Swans won by 53 points against the two-time reigning premiers.
- Five players — Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice — were suspended by the club for a breach of standards.
- Sydney will host Adelaide or the Western Bulldogs in a semi-final.
- Errol Gulden, James Rowbottom and recruit Jai Serong were among the standout performers.
Sydney produced a stunning performance to defeat Brisbane 21.15 (141) to 13.10 (88) in their AFL qualifying final at the SCG on Saturday, blowing away the two-time reigning premiers by 53 points, according to the Guardian.
The result marked a dramatic turnaround for a season that had appeared to be unravelling. Club chair Andrew Pridham had described Sydney’s campaign as ‘torpedoed’ a couple of weeks earlier, after five players were suspended by the club for a breach of club standards.
Despite being without the suspended Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice, the Swans who took the field against the Lions looked as familiar as any side to run out in red and white this year, the Guardian reported.
The rapid and relentless ball movement that has underpinned Sydney’s resurgence in 2026 was on full display, along with a newfound strength at stoppage. Errol Gulden rose to the occasion, while James Rowbottom put his head over the ball repeatedly.
Unheralded recruit Jai Serong played what the Guardian described as the most influential game of his career, clamping down on the Lions’ dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale.
With the win, Sydney will host either Adelaide or the Western Bulldogs in a semi-final, according to the Guardian.
Why it matters
The win sees Sydney progress to a home semi-final against Adelaide or the Western Bulldogs. The result is notable because it came despite the disruption of five suspended players and public doubts from the club's own chairman.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score of the Sydney v Brisbane qualifying final?
Sydney defeated Brisbane 21.15 (141) to 13.10 (88), a winning margin of 53 points, in the qualifying final at the SCG.
Which Sydney players were suspended?
The Swans suspended five players for a breach of club standards: Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice.
Who will Sydney play next?
Sydney will host either Adelaide or the Western Bulldogs in a semi-final.