Resurgent powerhouse Hawthorn have claimed a $1 million prize after winning the McClelland Trophy on Sunday.
The Hawks' AFLW team defeated Richmond by 23 points to clinch the award - which is given to the team that has the combined best AFL and AFLW results across a season.
Reigning AFL and AFLW premiers Brisbane took the lead in the McClelland Trophy race on the final day after beating St Kilda by 27 points.
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But a win for the Hawks in their final match was all they needed to win the honour, which was won by Melbourne in 2023 - the first year it took into account both AFL and AFLW results.
Hawthorn finished on 136 points in the McClelland Trophy race - 80 from AFLW and 56 from AFL - ahead of Brisbane with 130 points, with 72 from AFLW and 58 from AFL.
The $1 million prizemoney is distributed in $250,000 equal blocks among the AFL playing group, the AFL playing group, the club football department staff and the club in general.
“Congratulations to all the Hawthorn players, coaches and officials on their success across both the men’s and women’s programs. Their achievement of winning the McClelland Trophy highlights their commitment to a high-performance culture and a unified approach to excellence,” AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said.
“The Hawks have been two of the most entertaining team in both the men’s and women’s competitions and It’s fitting that they’ve been recognised as the Champion Club across both programs.”