Why a loss could cost the Lions $1 million

Brisbane’s mistake against Geelong on Sunday not only damaged the Lions’ chances of making a qualifying final, but could cost the club $1 million in prize money.

The Lions hold the AFL and AFLW premiership cups but could miss out on the McClelland Trophy for a second year in a row.

The prize, previously awarded to the men’s minor premiership, was changed last season to include the AFLW and reward the club with the best performance in both competitions.

But the combined ranking system, which awards four points for an AFL win and eight points for an AFLW win, does not take finals games into account.

It meant the Lions, who reached the AFL grand final and won the AFLW flag, missed out on last year’s trophy to Melbourne, who came out of the finals in straight sets in both competitions.

Despite winning the AFL flag last month, the same fate could await Brisbane again after the women’s team suffered a surprise 10-point loss to Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.

The result gave Hawthorn a six-point lead and a box seat, giving him a $1 million windfall for two games against finals contenders Melbourne and Richmond.

Players receive $500,000 in prize money, football department staff receive $250,000, and the club receives the remaining quarter to use as it sees fit.

The AFL and AFLW lists each receive $250,000, meaning a male player receives a bonus of around $5,500 and a female player earns around $8,300.

Hawthorn midfielder Mattea Breed said the players weren’t focused on the prize but it was an extra “little incentive” to perform in recent home and away games.

“It’s very interesting… I’m not going to lie,” Breed said.

“The (Hawthorn) boys have had a good year too…great culture, great to be a part of and it’s a little exciting.”

Melbourne midfielder Paxie Paxman, who received the award along with his Demons teammates at the end of 2023, said the combined ladder had been “something to talk about” during the season.

“I think it adds a little incentive, but your team can’t think about that part every round,” she said.

“At the end of the day, it’s a nice little incentive if you manage to collect it along the way.”

Paxman said she hoped to return to Thursday night’s Hawks-Demons clash in Cairns after a “tiring” running battle due to a foot injury that has kept her out of back-to-back games since round three.

Melbourne almost certainly need to win this match to play in the finals after losing four games in a row in September.