Swans no-show: Footy stars shine on red carpet with glamorous WAGS on their arms at AFL Awards in Melbourne - but Sydney players skip ceremony amid hotel scandal despite being up for six gongs

The 2026 AFL Awards kicked off at Centrepiece in Melbourne on Monday night. 

But despite a loaded guest list featuring the code's biggest footy players and their glamorous WAGS, there were some very notable absences on the red carpet. 

While six Sydney Swans players were up for awards on the night, not one was spotted arriving at the event as the beleaguered team battles through a high-profile sexual assault scandal. 

Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow, who was up for the Most Valuable Player gong, was a no-show. 

In what has been described as an 'awkward moment' Curnow was named among the nominees and had his 2026 season showcased in a pre-recorded segment for the Fox Footy television broadcast - but was nowhere to be seen.  

Also up for awards are Swans players Isaac Heeney, Brodie Grundy, Harry Kyle, Callum Mills and James Rowbottom. All were absent. 

Leading the charge on the red carpet was footy presenter Megan Waters who showed off her impressive figure in a plunging, black gown that flaunted lots of skin.

AFL power couple Kelsey Browne and Luke Jackson of the Dockers made a fine pair, with the former netballer stunning in a maroon frock with peekaboo cutouts. 

Jagga Smith of the Blues had a gorgeous date on his arm, who chose a black, one-shoulder gown fit for a Hollywood red carpet. 

Jarman Impey of the Hawks brought along his wife Annabelle, with the beauty turning heads in a fitted red dress with a corseted bodice. 

Eagles player Josh Lindsay had a pretty blonde date on his arm, who stood out in a plunging baby blue gown.

Fremantle star Josh Treacy brought partner Nikki Miller, with Nikki flaunting a flash of flesh in an asymmetrical deep brown top worn with a glistening, sequin skirt. 

Wayne Milera of the Crows showed off his stunning wife Nina Starkey, who chose a form-fitting maroon frock with ruching at the bodice. 

Lions star Zac Bailey took along partner Emilie, with Emilie opting for a classy black gown with a thigh-high split. 

Former AFL star Mitch Brown enjoyed a date night with his pregnant partner Louisa Keck, who showcased her blossoming baby bump in a bright yellow, floral frock. 

Harris Andrews of the Brisbane Lions went along with partner Emily Halverson, with the blonde choosing a 1990s-style slip dress in black, with white lace details at the bust. 

Saints star Callum Wilkie had Isabel Lokan on his arm, with the brunette beauty putting on a busty display in a black, strapless gown. 

Suns player Leonardo Lombard's date opted for a black and white dress with a full skirt and sweetheart neckline. 

Ty Gallop of the Lions had a pretty blonde in tow, who chose a red gown with a draped design, paired with a metallic clutch purse.

Lions player Logan Morris also made it a date night, with his blonde partner in a classic black dress and carrying a straw designer bag. 

Dockers player Shai Bolton took along partner Hasina Baluch, who chose a deep brown halter dress that sat close to her figure before flaring into a full skirt. 

Murphy Reid of the Dockers brought girlfriend Charlize McRae, with the brunette showing off her figure in a body-hugging dark purple frock.

Newly single Bailey Smith went stag, posing alongside Geelong teammate Oliver Dempsey. 

The absence of Sydney Swans players at the prestigious awards show comes as the club is embroiled in scandal. 

Five players were stood down after it was revealed they held a wild private party in their room at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel in the early hours of Monday, August 17, following their victory over Essendon at the nearby MCG.

Three women subsequently made police reports about inappropriate behaviour. 

The club has since stood down Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, Riley Bice and James Jordon for the remainder of the AFL season, a decision that is separate from the Victoria Police probe into an alleged sexual assault.

The Daily Mail does not suggest that any of the named Swans players are under police investigation or involved in any wrongdoing alleged by the women. 

Four of the five players are in relationships, with only Heeney's fiancée Steffie Waters being pictured since the fallout after she fled to Noosa to stay with family.

Heeney is believed to have stayed behind in Sydney. 

There was one notable Sydney Swans player among the major award winners on Monday night. 

Charlie Curnow won the Coleman Medal, albeit for his time in Carlton, which ended last year with his trade to the Swans - but he was not there to receive the honour. 

Collingwood's Nick Daicos walked away with the Most Valuable Player gong, as well as the Champion Player of the Year award. 

The Telstra AFL Rising Star nod went to Jagga Smith, while Best Captain was awarded to Adelaide's Jordan Dawson. 

Most Courageous Player was also handed out to Jordan Dawson. 

Best First Year Player went to Carlton's Harry Dean, and Best Emerging Player went to St Kilda's Max Hall and Fremantle's Murphy Reid.

Defensive Player of the Year was awarded to St Kilda's Callum Wilkie.