AFLW Cats hold key to $1m prize for Geelong

Geelong Cats co-captains Nina Morrison and Becky Webster had high hopes for the team ahead of teh 2026 season. Photo: Cats Media.

Geelong’s AFLW side could hold the key to a $1 million prize as the Cats chase the 2026 McClelland Trophy as the AFL’s best combined club.

The award recognises the strongest overall performance across a club’s AFL and AFLW programs, with Geelong currently sitting on top of the standings after combining its men’s and women’s results to date.

The Cats banked 14 points after finishing fifth in the AFL season and have added a provisional 17 points from their AFLW campaign, where they sit second on the ladder after an impressive 8-1 start.

That gives Geelong 31 combined points, ahead of Sydney on 28, Fremantle on 27 and Melbourne on 26.

The AFLW run home will now determine whether the Cats can secure the trophy, with the finishing positions after finals deciding each club’s ranking points.

Geelong faces a crucial month, including a round 11 clash with Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium that could have major implications on both club’s rankings.

The Dockers’ run to the AFL grand final gives them a significant advantage from the men’s competition, meaning the Cats will need to continue their strong AFLW form to stay ahead.

The McClelland Trophy carries $1 million in prize money, with $500,000 awarded to the winning club and $500,000 shared among its AFL and AFLW players.

Geelong’s 2026 AFLW season has featured a significant improvement in performance after they finished the 2025 season with just four wins.

Under the leadership of new head coach Mick Stinear, the side has not lost since their round 1 game against reigning premiers North Melbourne.

With just four games of the home and away season remaining, the Cats are primed to earn the club’s first home qualifying final in the women’s competition.

But with Kardinia Park Stadium already booked to host the AUSX Supercross Championships the same weekend, the club will need to source an alternative venue if the side continues its strong form.

The side now prepares for its round 10 game against West Coast in Perth on Saturday 17 October.