Hawthorne won the $1 million McClelland Trophy on a dramatic final day of the home-and-away season

The AFL congratulates Hawthorn FC on winning the McClelland Trophy and $1 million prize as the best club of the 2024 Toyota AFL Premiership season and the 2024 NAB AFLW season.

With the Brisbane Lions beating Euro-Iroc (St Kilda) today, Hawthorn needed a win or draw against Richmond to win $1 million.

Hawthorn came from behind in the final quarter against Richmond to win by 23 points, securing the McClelland Trophy and a home qualifying final for the 2024 NAB AFLW Finals Series next weekend.

Hawthorn finished with a total of 136 points after their win over Richmond, with 80 points in the AFLW and 56 in the AFL.

The Brisbane Lions finished second with 130 points, with 72 points in the AFLW and 58 in the AFL.

The McClelland Trophy recognizes the “Club of Champions” and recognizes the club with the most points in both the men’s and women’s home and away seasons.

The million dollar prize money will be split equally, with $250,000 going to the AFLW playing group, $250,000 to the AFL playing group, $250,000 to the club’s football department staff (exempt from the soft cap) and $250,000 to the club.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon congratulated Hawthorne on their success and said they deserved to be winners of the McClelland Trophy.

“Congratulations to all Hawthorn players, coaches and officials on their success in both the men’s and women’s programs. Their achievement of winning the McClelland Trophy underscores their commitment to a culture of excellence and a shared approach to excellence,” said Mr. Dillon.

“The Hawks were two of the most entertaining teams in both the men’s and women’s competitions and it is fitting that they were crowned the champion club in both programs.”

Hawthorn Football Club will be presented with the McClelland Trophy at the W Awards on November 25th.

Since its inception in 1951, the McClelland Trophy has evolved to reflect a wider range of club achievements, originally awarded by the then Victorian Football League for a club’s performance across multiple teams. Named after William McClelland, a former Melbourne premiership player, captain and president of the VFL, the trophy remains a symbol of club excellence.