Swans AFLW captain says support 'just unbelievable' as record smashed

AFLW's Sydney Swans captain Lucy McEvoy was taken aback by the incredible support her team received during the first match of a record-breaking double-header at the SCG. The women's team was greeted with an overwhelming turnout, breaking their previous attendance record by a staggering margin - 16,672 fans packed the stands, more than double the previous high of 8,264.

McEvoy expressed her astonishment at the outpouring of support, stating, "It's amazing. We weren't sure what we were going to expect this week, but to see the support that we've received today is just unbelievable."

The Swans' unusual double-header came in the wake of a scandal that had shaken the club to its core, questioning its culture. To show their solidarity, star male players Errol Gulden and Callum Mills visited the women's players and thanked the fans for their attendance. However, some fans chose to leave before the men's game due to a boycott suggestion, following the scandal. Five players were subsequently stood down for violating club standards regarding alcohol consumption and late night outings.

The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about the women's team and the broader issues surrounding the sport. Former Matilda Sarah Walsh, who attended the women's game, emphasized that it's crucial for fans to understand that a strong club doesn't necessitate support for both teams. Lulu Clarke, a long-time Swans fan, also decided to skip the men's game, citing her discomfort with the ongoing scandal.

Fans displayed signs at the stadium, expressing their support for the women's team and their disappointment in the men's team's behavior.