Week one of finals is finally here and we're preparing for a massive Friday night. Catch up on all the top headlines ahead of our elimination final in this week's Red and White News, presented by Channel 7. 

Sydney to play Carlton in MCG elimination final

The Sydney Swans will travel to Melbourne this week to battle it out against Carlton in an exciting elimination final. It's the second time these two sides have met in 2023, with the Swans taking out Marn Grook Round by 26 points earlier this season. 

Head to the Finals Hub for everything you need to know. Can't make it to the game? Visit one of our Swans Friendly Venues this Friday night to watch all the action on the big screen. First bounce is 7:50pm.  

Longmire: "We have to match that intensity and take it to the next level early on."

Senior coach John Longmire is confident in his side's ability come Friday after speaking in a press conference on Tuesday. While he said the team has done "a lot right" this season, he isn't underestimating the opposition. 

"I’m really proud of the resilience of the footy club and the players to keep pushing along and keep working at what we need to do," Longmire said. 

"We go hard at Carlton this week who have been fantastic and in the second half of the season probably the best-performing team.”

65,000 reasons to say thank you

After reaching a membership record last month, we’re thrilled to announce we’ve reached 65,332 members in season 2023.

Sydney Swans Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harley, has thanked those who have been part of our red and white family this season.

“Reaching more than 65,000 members for the first time in our club’s history is an incredible achievement and we are extremely proud of where our club is today,” Harley said.

“Milestones like this don’t just happen – they come on the back of hard work from our staff and players and are born from the commitment of those in our Swans community who support us week in and week out, as we work together to build something truly special."

Cunningham nominated for Jim Stynes Community and Leadership Award

Harry Cunningham has been named a finalist in the 2023 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award. Now in its twelfth year, the prestigious award is presented to the player who has best demonstrated the values of late Melbourne champion and former Demons’ President, Jim Stynes.

Cunningham is being recognised for his work as a Redkite ambassador for over a decade. During this time the veteran defender has made regular ward visits, supported Redkite’s music therapy program and helped campaign for numerous fundraising activities to help families facing childhood cancer.

AFLW returns to North Sydney Oval this Saturday

After a historic win over the GWS Giants last Sunday, Sydney's AFLW side will return to North Sydney Oval on Saturday for a clash with Geelong.

Purchase tickets below and see the women in action from 1:05pm.